sexing 5 week old Barred Rocks

[dogterw]

I am new to this so bear with me. We have 4 barred rock chicks that will be 5 weeks old on Wednesday. One is much smaller with delayed tail and body feather development. I think this may be a roo. What do you think?

 

[amnich]

Roos generally develop faster than hens... do you have pics?

 

[Fred's Hens]

Likely.

Add to your observation these differences. Once your eye is trained to see them, you'll easily sex Barred Rock chicks at 5-6 weeks of age.

See how the cockerels are whiter because of their double gene for barring? See how the pullets look darker? Notice how the cockerels are quick to sprout red combs and wattles? Pullets don't do that until much, much later.

Here's a photo of a hatchery quality pair and a true bred to the Standard Barred Rocks. What do you see?

 

[dogterw]

pics

 

[dogterw]

 

[dogterw]

 

[Fred's Hens]

So, what do you see? Do you see bright white bars? Do you see a more charcoal/grey fuzz rather than black? Do you see a prominent comb? I know what I see.

 

[dogterw]

This Is one of the more mature chicks. I'm pretty sure this is a pullet.

 

[dogterw]

I see more white striped wings than the rest. It is more charcoal. The comb is a bit prominent, but the others are too. I

 

[Fred's Hens]

Do you see the dark, over all coloration? Do you see the dull yellowish comb? Do you see that the white is not really barring, but rather like spots or cuckoo? Do you see the longish tail? What does this tell you about this bird?