Sex at 5 Weeks - ** PIC HEAVY **

[KDH]

Only on this board, under this topic, would that not be a very disturbing subject heading...

Ahem. OK, I'm getting down to the wire when 10 of the 14 golden laced Wyandottes I have will be leaving for their new home (this coming weekend is D-day). I want to be sure that the four I keep are hens. I think I'm getting better at guessing. I took these pictures this morning - the chicks are 5 weeks old today. Those of you in the know - please let me know if you agree with my assessment - and if not, on what are you basing your opinions? I'm a chicken newbie, so really trying to learn.

For the most part, I am thinking that the wattles are the most telling here - what I'm assuming are roos have much more droopy, redder wattles. Some of what I think are hens have pinkish combs, but very small wattles.

Thanks so much in advance.

1. I believe this is a hen.

2. I believe this is a hen.

3. I believe this is a hen, too.

4. And I think this is a hen.

5. I think all three of these are hens. I only waffle a little on the one in the upper right. Hmmm.

6. I think this ratty-looking guy is a roo. I call him Curly because his toes are crooked. Ha.

7. This one feathered out first so early on I thought it was a hen - however, judging by the wattles (and comb), I'm now guessing this is quite the roo...

8. Guessing roo based on the big, bad wattles.

OK guys - let me know how you think I'm guessing. If I ever order chicks again, I'll get pullets instead of straight run, lol!

Thanks!

Karen

 

[jjrabbit2]

Im a newb too, but agree with all your guesses! beautiful birds! I just got my first SLW and love them they are 2wks right now and cant wait to see if they are Roo's or Pullets still so young Waiting game Uggggg!

 

[bethandjoeync]

sometimes going purely based on the wattle and comb formation can steer you in the wrong direction. although nothing is more accurate than getting a crow or an egg we do what we can right?

I would say also check out their "personalities" are some more roo-ish than the others. we lucked out last year when we bought straight run reds from tsc, and only ended up with 2 boys (but other than combe developement....their attitudes and how they carried themselves were very different from all the rest.

I would say, watch them and see how they act. that can help you get an idea too

I know the experts will be able to help a little more when it comes to the pictures. good luck on keeping pullets!

 

[Happy Chooks]

In picture #5 the top 2 look like roosters. If you don't want any roosters, then don't keep any of them with pink in the comb. (or wattles showing) At that age, anything with a pink comb is a roo.

I'd agree with the rest of your guesses.

 

[barred-rocks-rock]

6, 7, and 8 are Roosters

 

[KDH]

Quote:
Interesting on the personalities. The "not-the-mamma" hen-turned-roo was always bolder and more aggressive than the others. Also, although all of them bicker and squawk now and then, some - I'm assuming boys - mock fight with each other - feet first.