Updated - SEXING AT 4 WEEKS - TOO EARLY?

[BawkBawkBowdler]

I have bought some straight run chicks for the first time and was trying to sex them as soon as possible as roosters are illegal in our area. The chicks are Black Copper Marans and I have noticed some have larger combs than others, and the smaller combed birds tend to have longer tail feathers at this point. I believe they were hatched on or around April 19th. I have attached a couple of images that show the comb and tail feather length. Is there a definitive sex at this age? or do I need to wait longer.

Edit: Here is a third pic of all 8 chicks (5 BCM and 3 ameracaunas) the sun was going down as i was taking the pics of each one. sorry for not better quality.

 

[ChickForLife]

I am no expert, but I would say the left one on the first pic and the right one on the second are roo's.

 

[em_dawson]

At 4 weeks those are all roos.

 

[Pretty Birds]

Those are all cockerel since they have that much comb development at 4 weeks.

 

[NatJ]

Are those just the ones you think are males, or did you post pictures that you think might represent both sexes?

I think I'm seeing only males in the two photos you posted.

 

[Ruthster55]

Agree with the posters above - both are cockerels. You have a month and a half to two months before they would start crowing, so there's time to find a home for them.

 

[BawkBawkBowdler]

I was hoping that I had one of each in the pictures. I have 8 total chicks (5 BCM and 3 ameracaunas ). I will capture a pic of all 8 individually. I'm hoping I didn't get skunked here.

 

[NatJ]

You have a month and a half to two months before they would start crowing, so there's time to find a home for them.

Um, not guaranteed. I've had cockerels crowing before 8 weeks old, and that's only a month away.

 

[Ruthster55]

Purchasing straight run chicks is a gamble! Theoretically they are 50% female and 50% male, but there is both random variation...and savvy selectors at retail locations.

This means that when chicks are for sale at Tractor Supply or similar locations, there are certain experienced chicken keepers who can identify the sex of some baby chicks. They will take home the girls of course.

 

[Ruthster55]

Good point on precocious “musical” cockerels!!