sexing rhode island reds

[Jessgotchooks]

hi got some new Rhode islands hatch!
what are some tips or tricks for sexing this breed?

 

[Michael OShay]

Are you talking about sexing RIR chicks or older birds? If you're talking about sexing chicks, the only definite way is vent sexing, and that can only be done in the first 24 - 48 hours (or when ithe bird is older, but by then you'll know). Otherwise, you're just going to have to wait until they are older and look for the gender signs as they mature. Male RIR chicks always grow their feathers significantly slower then female RIR chicks. The only other way you can tell is if your chick is a male or female is if it is an auto-sexing breed or a sex link hybrid, but RIRs are neither of these. As RIRs age, large red combs and wattles, thick legs, a bigger and more muscular body, and pointed saddle feathers are all indicative of males. The opposite of course is true for females. Also RIR cockerels will typically begin crowing somewhere between 8 and 17 weeks (usually around 16), and will grow spurs on their legs when they reach sexual maturity. Pullets never crow, and will start laying between 4 and 6 months of age.

 

[Cowgirl71]

Are you talking about sexing RIR chicks or older birds? If you're talking about sexing chicks, the only definite way is vent sexing, and that can only be done in the first 24 - 48 hours (or when ithe bird is older, but by then you'll know).  Otherwise, you're just going to have to wait until they are older and look for the gender signs as they mature. Male RIR chicks always grow their feathers significantly slower then female RIR chicks. The only other way you can tell is if your chick is a male or female is if it is an auto-sexing breed or a sex link hybrid, but RIRs are neither of these. As RIRs age, large red combs and wattles, thick legs, a bigger and more muscular body, and pointed saddle feathers are all indicative of males. The opposite of course is true for females. Also RIR cockerels will typically begin crowing somewhere between 8 and 17 weeks (usually around 16), and will grow spurs on their legs when they reach sexual maturity. Pullets never crow, and will start laying between 4 and 6 months of age.

x2

Also, vent sexing isn't for beginners. You can injure or even kill the chick if you don't know what you're doing.

Any of them that develop big red combs before three months old are roos. If you post pics when they're 6-8 weeks old we should be able to tell you how many males and females you have.

 

[Wyandottes7]

Are you talking about sexing RIR chicks or older birds? If you're talking about sexing chicks, the only definite way is vent sexing, and that can only be done in the first 24 - 48 hours (or when ithe bird is older, but by then you'll know). Otherwise, you're just going to have to wait until they are older and look for the gender signs as they mature. Male RIR chicks always grow their feathers significantly slower then female RIR chicks. The only other way you can tell is if your chick is a male or female is if it is an auto-sexing breed or a sex link hybrid, but RIRs are neither of these. As RIRs age, large red combs and wattles, thick legs, a bigger and more muscular body, and pointed saddle feathers are all indicative of males. The opposite of course is true for females. Also RIR cockerels will typically begin crowing somewhere between 8 and 17 weeks (usually around 16), and will grow spurs on their legs when they reach sexual maturity. Pullets never crow, and will start laying between 4 and 6 months of age.

X3 on this advice.

 

[BantamLover21]

X4 on Michael OShay's advice.