Roosters vs. Hens

[Debs8]

Hi all,

I'm new to BYC. I just got a bunch of 8 chicks about 2 weeks ago. They are 6 weeks old, they are all black with white chest and bellys. I believe they are straight runs. I'm sure you all have been asked this question zillions of times, but I will ask one more time... tee hee. How can you tell the boys from the girls? A few of them have the little knubs where the spurs will be. Is that an indication of telling them apart?

Debbie

 

[Backyard_Chicken_rancher]

Not exactly cause at that age my hens had knubs as well but with 95% assurance that it works I can tell you a way to check all you do is pick it up spread the vent feathers (fo Newbies that would be the butt feathers) and look for a knub over the vent hole if you don't see a knub and it looks liek a female part chances are you have a female although if there is a knub then chances are you have a male.
Good luck to you.

 

[abanjaf]

Quote:
I was under the impression that vent-sexing could only be done within the first couple of days after hatch. As far as spur development, I could not see any appreciable differences between sexes at that young age. On roos, comb and wattle development will be more pronounced as well as differences in coloring (boys are prettier than girls Some breeds of chicken can be feather-sexed as well. But in all honesty, you'll know when it either crows or lays an egg!

 

[ranchhand]

A lot will depend upon the breed you got. What are they?

And

from downstate, in Hollywood!

 

[Debs8]

I'm not really sure what breed they are, but they are dark, almost black with white on chests and bellys. They all have a little white or yellow spot on each cheek. I bought them at Tractor Supply, and on the tub they were in it said "straight run". I will post a pick as soon as I can get one of them to be halfway still... lol.

 

[Debs8]

Okay... Here they are. Aren't they adorable? I think the one in the front might be a roo, as he/she loves to sit on my lap, or my shoulder. I think they look like little penguins... Can anyone tell me what breed they are?

 

[chickensgalore]

i would say black australorps

 

[4 luv of eggs]

I second that. Looks just like my Black Austrolorps.