Somewhere I read that only cockerels have oil glands on their backs, just on top of their tail feathers. I read that they access the oil gland with their beaks, and use the oil to preen their feathers and slick themselves up for the ladies. I only read this in one place, and it seems to me like if that were such an easy way to ID a cock, then the knowledge would be more widespread. I have read a few books on raising chickens, and the only place the oil gland is mentioned is in the butchering section, and it says to remove the oil gland (indicating to me that both hens and cocks have them).
My chicks are 7 weeks old tomorrow. I am noticing a few that lift their tail feathers and access what appears to be an oil gland and preen. However, I ordered all pullets, and I'm really doubting that I could have that many mis-identified cocks. Also, it seems some of the ones preening are definitely hens. I don't have pics, but some of the preeners have very small combs and non-existent waddles even at 7 weeks old.
Do all chickens have oil glands, or just the cocks? And do the ladies preen by oiling themselves too? I watched them all, and I was able to see that, in 3 different RIRs, 2 of them seemed to have no distinctive feature under the feathers, but one had a very reddish or pinkish stiff valve or stem that they were drawing from. The one with the pinkish/reddish valve/stem also has small waddles where the other 2 do not.
Can any of you tell the sex based on the oil gland or the preening habits of 7 week old chicks?
My chicks are 7 weeks old tomorrow. I am noticing a few that lift their tail feathers and access what appears to be an oil gland and preen. However, I ordered all pullets, and I'm really doubting that I could have that many mis-identified cocks. Also, it seems some of the ones preening are definitely hens. I don't have pics, but some of the preeners have very small combs and non-existent waddles even at 7 weeks old.
Do all chickens have oil glands, or just the cocks? And do the ladies preen by oiling themselves too? I watched them all, and I was able to see that, in 3 different RIRs, 2 of them seemed to have no distinctive feature under the feathers, but one had a very reddish or pinkish stiff valve or stem that they were drawing from. The one with the pinkish/reddish valve/stem also has small waddles where the other 2 do not.
Can any of you tell the sex based on the oil gland or the preening habits of 7 week old chicks?
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