- Aug 4, 2015
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I know many 'sexing traits' are breed specific. I wanted to throw this question out there to see if anyone has perspective on feather sexing.
Background / My Experience: Many chicks I have had have been obvious at 7 to 10 days based on tail feathers and wing feathers (when I have some of each and can compare them). The pullets have much longer wings at that point - almost touching each other in the back, and they have developed tails. The cockerels have no or stubby tails and much shorter wing feathers.
Question: Is this true in all breeds or just some breeds? I have a batch of chicks I hatched from a Black Copper Maran Roo over 3 hens - Wheaten Maran, Easter Egger and White Leghorn. All of the chicks either have tails and long wings or no tails and short wings. Am I safe sexing them at this point with the given breeds or do I need to wait on the combs turning red at 5/6 weeks on the cockerels?
Background / My Experience: Many chicks I have had have been obvious at 7 to 10 days based on tail feathers and wing feathers (when I have some of each and can compare them). The pullets have much longer wings at that point - almost touching each other in the back, and they have developed tails. The cockerels have no or stubby tails and much shorter wing feathers.
Question: Is this true in all breeds or just some breeds? I have a batch of chicks I hatched from a Black Copper Maran Roo over 3 hens - Wheaten Maran, Easter Egger and White Leghorn. All of the chicks either have tails and long wings or no tails and short wings. Am I safe sexing them at this point with the given breeds or do I need to wait on the combs turning red at 5/6 weeks on the cockerels?