What sex? Cuckoo Marans

[DawnMarie74]

I just ordered a batch of chicks from Ideal. Two are supposed to be feather legged cuckoo maran pullets. From what I gather, they are easy to sex, as the boys have a larger spot on the head and are lighter. The girls, small dot and are darker. Is it possible to have a female that fits the boys description? I hope so. I will be so disappointed to have a male. Let me know what you think, your opinions are greatly appreciated.

Left pullet - right possible male

possible male

 

[crash0330]

I think you got a roo, like you said cucko males are lighter than females, also females have darker legs than boys do. hatcheries warranty 90% accuracy on baby chicks not 100%.

 

[BeardedLadyFarm]

That light one is looking very boyish. There's much more white that you would see on a pullet.

 

[jeremy]

It looks like you have a pair.

I had Cuckoo Marans last year and my 2 chicks looked very similar to yours, the female was much darker and the male was much lighter in his barring.

 

[DawnMarie74]

Thanks for your replies. What a disappointment being the large dot on his head seemed to be a dead giveaway.

 

[Happy Chooks]

The one on the right is a boy.

 

[FarmGirl01]

I have had one that broke all the sexing chick rules.

 

[pinkchick]

Quote:
How? Please explain?

 

[FarmGirl01]

This is just a few "rules" I have gathered. By no means written in stone.

Rules for sexing barred chicks.
Males Larger, splotchy head spot
Lighter, silvery/grayish color
No or little black down leg fronts

Females More defined and smaller headspot
Down is very dark
Dark wash down the front of legs
This was gathered from other members of BYC. I've tried it and it seems to work.