our first flock

[kb9fya]

We have babies. We have 6 pullets that we bought from Royal King. They are about 6 weeks old I think. We have 25 straight run babies that came in the mail on Monday. They are about 6 days old. They are Buff Orpingtons. They are all getting along great and like their new house. How do you tell the difference between a boy and a girl? I know girls are pullets until they become hens. I know boys become Roosters but I don't know what the babies are called. When do pullets become hens? How do you name chicks and keep straight who is who? Jim says their name is "dinner". No way. They ain't all getting ate. The girls will lay eggs and there will be a boy or two so we can have more babies. Some will get sold or traded.

 

[lightchick]

Baby boy chicks are called cockerels. To tell them apart you can put different colored zip ties on them but make sure to change them often so the ties don't get too tight.
I've also heard of people painting their chicks nails different colors but it seems like an awful lot of work.

 

[Percheron chick]

That's why most of us have many different breeds in our flocks. No way can you tell 31 BOs apart. Names are anything you want them to be. Girl names are always popular for the pullets. Name them after TV characters, egg dishes, cousins... whatever there are no rules.

 

[kb9fya]

How do you tell which chicks are cockrels and which are pullets? I've been watching them and they seem like all animals. They each develop their own personality. We know our 6 older ones are pullets. So far only one is named. The biggest girl is Walenda. She likes to sit on the edge of things and is starting to fly. One rooster will be Chanticleer. Only problem is how do you tell which of the babies are cockrels?

 

[Mrs. K]

That is the question, and even experienced poulterers have been wrong!

Generally, cockerels grow faster, their combs and wattles turn bright red sooner, and of course, they begin to crow. Buff Orpingtons can be hard to call for several months for positive. There are lots of wives tails, but truthfully, it can be quite difficult.

Welcome to the hobby, it is lots of fun.

mk

 

[kb9fya]

our babies are getting big . they went outside for the first time today. at first they were afraid to leave their house into the big bright world. but once they got out they started exploring and playing together. then when it was rime for them to go in they wanted to stay out. skyler was watching and got too close to the fence and one little one bit his tail. they are just like children.

 

[chicksurreal]

our babies are getting big . they went outside for the first time today. at first they were afraid to leave their house into the big bright world. but once they got out they started exploring and playing together. then when it was rime for them to go in they wanted to stay out. skyler was watching and got too close to the fence and one little one bit his tail. they are just like children.

How cute! Can you post pics?

 

[kb9fya]

I'll try. Don't know if I can or not.