What is the average age you can tell gender?

[Joplus]

I have 9 week old black copper Marans, buff orphington and Rhode island reds. Some have bigger combs but my 2 year rir hen has such a big comb it falls over so is that any indication? The Marans seem easier because they have bigger combs, tail feathers and starting to get copper feathers on their neck. But aside from the combs the others are a mystery. Also I hear a strange, strangled noise early am. DH says that's the roos first crows. I could try to look to see but its very early am and there's 28 chicks. Here's a pic of the Marans. The copper neck feathers are hard to see but look at his huge comb.

 

[donrae]

You have a great example of a pullet and rooster right there. At nine weeks, any bird with a red comb is male. Yes, your adult hen has a large comb, but she's a sexually mature laying hen. Hens don't get that large or red a comb until they're ready to start laying.

 

[Joplus]

Ok. So I'm gonna look for probable hens and roosters in my buffs and RIRs. Thanks

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

You have a great example of a pullet and rooster right there. At nine weeks, any bird with a red comb is male. Yes, your adult hen has a large comb, but she's a sexually mature laying hen. Hens don't get that large or red a comb until they're ready to start laying.

x2

You can usually tell sex of a chicken by eight weeks. Any birds with big red combs at eight weeks are cockerels, as are any birds with dark red patches or feathers coming in on the shoulders.

Pullets will sometimes get some comb development around 12 weeks, but usually it's minimal until 18-25 weeks (depending on breed). Then the pullets' combs and wattles will sprout and turn red so fast it seems like overnight. That's how you know that they are close to point of lay.

 

[Joplus]

Wow I'm so excited they can be told apart already. Here's more.

Pic #1) Buff, BCM- pullets, RIR roo?

2) RIR and BCM pullets and on right BCM roo?

3) Buff pullets?

4) Buff Rooster left, pullet right?

5) Buff hen left, BCM rooster right?

 

[Wishapup]

Wow I'm so excited they can be told apart already. Here's more.

Pic #1) Buff, BCM- pullets, RIR roo?

2) RIR and BCM pullets and on right BCM roo?




3) Buff pullets?

4) Buff Rooster left, pullet right?


5) Buff hen left, BCM rooster right?

I would agree with your guesses on these photo!

 

[Joplus]

Ok wow thanks. I only want 3 hens out of these 28 so I can start looking at who I want. It was my first hatch and I didn't expect that many (out of 36 eggs)

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

You did a great job figuring them out. I agree with all your assessments.