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
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