sexing chickens ? Male or female

[groovimum]

I was told that the males had black and red feathers so i figure the younger ones are both roosters but what do I know LOL!!!!!

 

[silkiechicken]

Yep, the first and third are roo babies at about 5-6 weeks old. The middles are hens. They actually look like hens, and not pullets. The feathers appear to be moulting and their skin is a bit pale to be young. Plus, their combs are floppy which is an indication to me at least, they have laid for at least one year. Pullets of the sexlinks should have bright yellow legs and petite combs. I say up their protein in their feed and have them recuperate a bit as they look a bit rugged. I don't really think they are as young as you say they are or were told they are.

Here is my sexlink which is comparable to an ISA brown at about 6 months:

And one year:

Note the comb has enlarged and started to flop.

And here is a different bird, similar strain, at 2.5 years old
CLICK

It's a large pic and you can see how the comb has flopped over, and the legs on her are pale unlike the pic in the middle where legs were still bright yellow.

 

[groovimum]

I think I've been jibbed they told me these birds were young layers. When we got them some were more molten than others but we didn't pay much for them anyway. Should I keep both roosters or get rid of one? Is is true that Isa brown hens don't become broody??

 

[ella]

Yes those young ones are male I don't know what breed though. They aren't red sex-links. I'd keep them both until they grow up a bit more and you can see which is more compatable with the hens.

The older ones look like utility hens. Farms in egg production get rid of their females at their second molt,when they are about a year old. It doesn't pay for the big corporations to feed them through because their production goes down a bit in their second year.

BUT that doesn't mean that they won't lay eggs or that they're useless, with just some basic care they'll lay well for many years to come. The hen I posted a picture of has layed hundreds of eggs for me and she's nearly 4 years old. She's still one of my best layers.

You may have gotten been cheated a little moneywise but those hens are sure lucky to have a second chance at life!

 

[groovimum]

Hi there, I was just feeding the girls and we (hubby and I) were actually wondering how much longer it will be before they begin to lay again. They look so much better than when we got them 4 weeks ago, but the original three chooks seem to have stopped laying only getting one or two eggs daily. I sometimes give them some wheat is that the problem?? any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[Cuban Longtails]

If the weather is bad, cold and/or wet, mine tend to not lay as often. I should pick back up soon. You can also tell by the brightness of their combs if they are getting close to laying again.