Show off your Delawares! *PIC HEAVY*

[runswithchicken]

I took a gamble on some Delaware eggs from ebay, and my chicks seem to be developing true to the breed, but I'd love some opinions on sex and/or how they are looking so far conformation wise. I know its hard to tell at a younger age (they are about 6 weeks). I think the two in the back are hens and the two in the front are roos based on their combs and temperaments, but the hens seem to have more black "smut" on their backs than they are supposed to based on my breed research. The two in the front are much more outgoing and friendly, the two in the back are much more skittish and avoid me with my cream legbar roo.

 

[crazyhen]

I think they are a bit too young to judge. Are their tails set as a v or are they close together? Are their feet wide apart. Are their backs about the same size all the way down? It really is hard to judge from a pict. Are they carrying the wings up beside them or the tips more down? Just some things to consider. Good luck with them.

 

[finnfur]

I think you are correct on the sex - but sometimes they will fool you.
Here is a tread with drawings showing correct markings
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/882979/breeding-delawares-to-the-standard-of-perfection

 

[runswithchicken]

Thanks for the considerations and link!

 

[LindaB220]

Here's an interesting webinar on egg production between Delawares vs Americauna.

https://learn.extension.org/events/1486#.U4yfCyjyT4J

 

[sssharon]

Very very ;pretty! I wish I could have more chickens but I'm already over my limit. Some of mine are still young and so it's a waiting game to see which ones are roos. Love your birds.

 

[sssharon]

When my last group of chicks were 3 days old I did a couple of tests and they both came out with same results. Hopefully they are right. I ended up with 4 girls and one boy. One test was to hold the chick up by it's head and if it fought it's a boy and if not a girl. I didn't like doing that test but wanted to see if it worked. the other test was looking at their feathers and they both came out the same. one boy and 4 girls.

 

[LTrain]

I have 2 Delawares about 11wks old, need some help to see if they are Cockerels or Pullets. This is Butter!

 

[LTrain]

This is Ruby!

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[finnfur]

This is Ruby!

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I would say both are pullets - And I hope so or you may have some unhappy Cockerels with those names LOL