Sexing the Australorp. Mystery or Myth?

[BubbaLikesIt]

I have wanted to add some Australorp to the coop for a while now. I've decided to run up to the hatchery and pick up a dozen pullets. While doing a little research I've read these horror stories of people receiving 10 cockerels and 2 pullets in an all pullet order. Is the Australorp that hard to sex? I did some more research on sexing these birds and have come to the conclusion it's impossible. Many talk about it but none make any real claim of success. Any Australorp experts out there?

 

[andreanar]

The males tend to grow red combs and wattles pretty young, but I wouldn't be able to tell sex until around 6 weeks old.

 

[BubbaLikesIt]

Yup, that's what everyone says. I've been talking to an Australian and he says the cockerels legs are closer together than the pullets. He says it's foolproof. He could also be rolling on the floor right now laughing.

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

I don't think they are any harder than other breeds. Yes, if you look up stuff like that, there are probably stories about that on every breed! That is very uncommon. If you are still very unsure, you can wait u til they are six to eight week sold, then if there are any cockerels, they will have big, bright combs. If you order from Meyer, they will refund you for male chicks you receive.

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

Yup, that's what everyone says. I've been talking to an Australian and he says the cockerels legs are closer together than the pullets. He says it's foolproof. He could also be rolling on the floor right now laughing.

That is just some old myth.

 

[Little Chicken Girl]

Australorps can be vent sexed (at hatch) or feather sexed before sale.
Many classic egg-layer breeds often are sold pre-sexed. However, not all are and there is no complete guarantee that the person who sexed the chicks you are purchasing is not a 'newbie'.
Although I have had 100% success with females so far, as you have heard, there is a margin for error, even with pre-sexed chicks. Sadly, some customers end up with the short end of the deal... Just make sure that you don't buy 'straight run' if you are concerned about getting male chicks.
Some breeds, like some crested chicks, are extremely rare to find pre-sexed because they are so difficult to gender identify.

 

[BubbaLikesIt]

Six to eight weeks old, big red combs even.............9 foot tall and crowing. Yeah, got it.

 

[BubbaLikesIt]

I think I'm going to try feather sexing at the hatchery. I've had chickens for a long time now and can sex the breeds I raise with accuracy. But these Australorps seem to have many mystified and running for cover when asked about sexing chicks. I would buy 8 week old pullets but I got a broody hen I need to get off the nest and I need some more chickens.

 

[BubbaLikesIt]

Okay, now another Australian has joined the conversation I'm having and he says just lift the tail up and look for testicals.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Okay, now another Australian has joined the conversation I'm having and he says just lift the tail up and look for testicals.

Fool proof right there........