turkeys are only 5 weeks old....too early to tell if tom or hen?

[SmilingCinder]

I have 3 turkeys, only 5 weeks old, and would like to know if it is possible to tell whether they are toms or hens this early. Or, if not, at what age will they show the differentiating characteristics?

 

[HappySlappyFarm]

I have 3 turkeys, only 5 weeks old, and would like to know if it is possible to tell whether they are toms or hens this early. Or, if not, at what age will they show the differentiating characteristics?

You will know 100% by 2.5 months old.
You should already be able to see a bit of a difference now. The males are more bulky, longer thicker legs & thicker heads. They will also lose the feathers on their heads quicker & the hens will keep some fluff.
The females will look more petite & sweet faced. < Thats how I describe it.
I stare at mine, back & forth comparing the facial features & then hold them side by side to compare the size difference in the legs & feet.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

I tell my customers that I can begin to tell by three months and that I will guarantee it by four. My sale birds are nine weeks old right now and I can pick out a few toms for certain, but the rest are still questionable. Most are likely hens but I've had them fool me at that age so I would not try to say with certainty.

 

[CasualT]

Mine are the same age and I'm noticing some very distinct size difference. I have 10 bourbon red turkeys and 4 of them are huge while the other 6 are very petite and tiny yet. However I could be completely wrong, because my broad breasted white is the same age and is massive compared to the "males" lol.

 

[WestKnollAmy]

Our turkey poults are about 2 weeks old and all 7 of them were "displaying" the other night when my hubby went to look at them. The most adorable thing I have ever seen but did not have my camera!

So do the girls bow their necks, tuck their heads, drop their wings and fan their tail, too?

Or do we have 7 toms? Not that we mind.
We have Tiger Bronze and Royal Palms, just to add color and beauty to the front pasture.

 

[frank53061]

As A.T. Hagan said that's when I could tell for 100% the Toms from the Hens around 12 weeks I have 4 Toms and 13 hens thats a good ratio for the Toms don't Know if it enough for high fertilization rate.