When can you tell hens from roosters?

[cariboujaguar]

what is vent sexing? is that when they squeeze them? how is it done, is it hard?

 

[skycladfaeielady]

It depends on the breed. I can usually tell with my Polish between 6 & 8 weeks.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
Nope. Hatchery stock will likely have s few black feathers.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
Yes it has to do with squeezing the chick to see what is inside. Yes, it is tricky. Hatcheries pay good money to vent sexers. And it can be dangerous or worse to the chicks. You can do a search on here and find descriptions and pics of the process.

 

[roche477]

I was able to pick out the roos in my Delaware flock at about 6 weeks. My Cinnamon Queens I knew right away because they are a hybrid sex link bird. My BC Marans are only about 2 weeks old yet, so no clue at this point. I have Cuckoo Marans due any day now and am told they can be sexed, but I don't know how to do it. My son has a Light Brahma Roo that we thought was a big hen for over 6 months until all of a sudden he crowed!