Tail feather sexing?

[Chipmunk Chicks]

I hatched three chicks, which I am suspecting could be one male and two females. But I have no idea really if any differences I'm seeing in size etc have more to do with overall strength or hatching order.

I was feeling like one looks "rumpier," vs. two showing longer more delicate tail sprouts coming in, but idk if it's my imagination, or if that's even reliable.

They are Black Australorps. Mom is my favorite Australorp hen from Hoover's, Sydney, and Papa is a great big gorgeous SOP bred roo from Castle Australorps.

I know, I know, wait however many weeks. Please someone humor me.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Adult tail feathers don't generally grow in until 3-5 months of age. Sometimes australorp are a breed where the females feather faster than the males, so if any are running around with just wings for feathers while the rest are feathering all over it may indicate males. Otherwise combs will get pink, than red by 4-8 weeks of age for many males.

 

[Chipmunk Chicks]

I have heard that at about a week, slow vs fast feathering genes can sometimes make the appearance of little baby tail stubs an indicator for sexing the chicks.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I have heard that at about a week, slow vs fast feathering genes can sometimes make the appearance of little baby tail stubs an indicator for sexing the chicks.

Definitely keep track and update as they grow.

 

[Chipmunk Chicks]

The differences in coloration were apparent immediately at hatch. One, first hatched, much fatter and darker than the others, two and three clearly more similar markings with more white on the heads, faces and wingtips.