Sexing 4/5 week old chicks

[AnimalmomSarah]

I purchased 12 “pullet” chicks on 2/2/19. I’m fairly certain I have some roosters. One in particular will run at my hand and peck/bite at me. This little chick is not very nice. Anyway, what’s the best way to sex them at this age?

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

Post pics at around 6 weeks.

 

[Mrs. K]

For me, the combs and wattles are my first clue, they red up in rooster chicks much sooner than in pullets. And the height can be a clue, roosters are taller than pullets, but that one is not always sure.

They can be tricky to call, however, if I ever think, "Hmmm, is that a rooster?" it generally is.

 

[itspebbl]

For me, the combs and wattles are my first clue, they red up in rooster chicks much sooner than in pullets. And the height can be a clue, roosters are taller than pullets, but that one is not always sure.

They can be tricky to call, however, if I ever think, "Hmmm, is that a rooster?" it generally is.

2x

Also, @AnimalmomSarah we have a What Breed Or Gender is This? forum, where you can post pictures of your birds at around 6-8 weeks old, and the folks there will be happy to help you!

 

[Bonniebooboo]

I purchased 12 “pullet” chicks on 2/2/19. I’m fairly certain I have some roosters. One in particular will run at my hand and peck/bite at me. This little chick is not very nice. Anyway, what’s the best way to sex them at this age?

Then little ones I have had that attacked me at this young age, have all turned out to be little roos and were invited to dinner at 12-14 weeks old. I also have some hatched on 2-2, and have already had a couple little threats from 2 of them, I can tell they are roos already. They'll be joining us for chicken pot pie in a few weeks. Hope you get more girls than boys. good luck.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

That behavior is not gender indicative. Your chicks are just over 3 weeks, so a bit early, but a precocious cockerel would be fairly easy to spot. Breed is also key....in certain breeds, sexing at this age is entirely possible (not just sex links...many breeds have feather patterns that are differentiated based on pattern such as barring or when males are black breasted and females salmon....chest feathering is there at this age). What breed(s) do you have?

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

Post pics of their combs at 6 weeks.

 

[AnimalmomSarah]

That behavior is not gender indicative. Your chicks are just over 3 weeks, so a bit early, but a precocious cockerel would be fairly easy to spot. Breed is also key....in certain breeds, sexing at this age is entirely possible (not just sex links...many breeds have feather patterns that are differentiated based on pattern such as barring or when males are black breasted and females salmon....chest feathering is there at this age). What breed(s) do you have?

I have 3 buff orphingtons (one is who this post is about ), 2 midnight majesty Marans, 3 americanas, 3 Sapphire olive Eggers, and 1 I have no idea what breed... maybe an Americana?