North Carolina

[suburbanchickymama]

Just posted this in the breed/gender section but know I can count on you guys for your expertise!

These are 2 of my 3 blue Ameraucanas that I'm trying to figure out sex of. I've read it mentioned that the early ridges on the comb are a good indication of boys, but I am very confused by my little ones! They are 6 1/2 weeks old (so I know it's early yet) but just curious.

This one (kinda leaning towards girl) is taller than the other two by a good bit which I find strange. Her feathers came in very slowly, but you'll see are much further along than the other two!

Here's one of the other 2 - the other is a little smaller but otherwise looks VERY similar to this ?guy?

Little skinnyish legs, too. I know I should be patient, but hoped you experts may be able to help! Any input?? Thanks!!!

 

[HenThymes]

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From what I have read up on Ameraucana's as I have a few now too, it looks like your first one is a pullet with a single row comb and the other a cockerel with a double/triple row. I could be wrong but I think that is how they are sexed at a younger age?? Maybe we have a AM breeder in board that can tell us for sure.

 

[suburbanchickymama]

I tried there with no response.

That is what I'd read, too. But the girl?? is so much taller than the other two! Weird. She is sweeter though. I'll be a little bummed about just one girl though! But my EE is a girl, so I guess that makes 2 blue layers, so that's not bad! Did yours take that long to feather in, HT? Those boys still look so terribly awkward! Poor little things!

 

[HenThymes]

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Mine are only 3 weeks old now and still much feathering to do. I have been doing allot of reading getting ready to make some cull decisions as I am only looking to keep a couple of girls for a colored egg "hen pen" for the kids.

I already have a couple of favorites, sure hope they turn out to be girls.

 

[Miss Lydia]

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X2

 

[lovemybluelacedred]

Person county!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Good morning everyone!! it's hot hot hot. Hope it's cooler during summer

well sad news, mama duck hatched out 1 duckling Friday during the night, when i went out to let everyone out yesterday morning found the little one pushed over in the corner cold, wet but still alive, well put it back under mom and went to feed came back to check and she had pushed it out again, so went into the chicken coop found one of my Brahmas sitting on an egg put the duckling under her she seemed fine with it, went to the grocery store. when i went out to check she had pushed the duckling out of the nest box, and it was cold again, so my dh and I set up a broody box with heat lamp. after about an hour it started moving around and cheeping, now it's doing great. but tried to see if she would take it this morning, nope attacked it. so it's back in the brooder with stuffed bear and small mirror. Then another egg had a pip on Thurs night, but she must not have sat on it to keep the humidity up because it got shrink wrapped and died. now she is sitting on 1 more no pips yet so don't know if it's any good. I will give it to Monday. If I see a pip before then I'll take it and give it to my broody hen hers are due on Tuesday. I never had to take a duckling and raise myself so I'm a little nervous, it's so adorable will get pics in a bit and post. It was hatched sometime on Friday early since it was wet when I found it. so when should I offer food Sunday or Monday?

 

[Miss Lydia]

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glad to have ya...

 

[lovemybluelacedred]

thanks! im new to raising chickens and i already love it!

 

[Miss Lydia]

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It's quite addicting, as you probably already know.