Sexing

[Moony Moon]

I'm sure this has been answered many time, but couldn't find a thread!

My chick is 10 weeks and i would like know the sex as soon as possible as if it is a cock he has to go!

What age would i be able to see the spurs start to grow/show? 'It' isn't making any strange noises yet and i have nothing to compare it too as it my first time hatching.

Also, what age does anyone suggest i put mum and chick back in with the other 6 girls?
I was thinking of re-introducing mum back to the flock immediately. Then getting a couple of new 12 week old hens to go in with the chick. Finally, introducing them all to the flock when they are about 16 weeks.

The chick is a hybrid, no fancy breed.

Thanks

[MaureenHall]

I think it's a bit difficult with just 1. I think I remember reading somewhere that cockerels have pointy feathers around their necks whereas pullets have more rounded feathers. Having said that, all my girl Welsummers seem to have pointy feathers but they're totally different to Rowan's feathers. Cockerels also grow their combs and wattles quicker than the girls. I think the only sure way though is when they either lay an egg or start to crow

[RichmondHens]

I would put both back together. Mum will protect the youngster a bit from the others. That will save you needing to get others to go with it (unless you need an excuse of course!).

Re sexing it, cocks generally have longer legs and develop combs more quickly, but without others to compare it with then it will be difficult.

[bluemoon]

Our new Rhodie cock is about 12 weeks and already his legs are very noticeably longer than the Rhodie girls and they are twice his age. Try comparing leg-length with mum's if it's already longer you might have a boy, if not then fingers crossed. Ours is also quite 'cockerelly' looking, in that I mean he looks very much like one of the old ones bred for fighting. Coco and Elvis were the same, although they were a little older when I got them and had started to fill out a bit and they don't look at all like that now. A tip I was given was to wait until they are calm then skim a hat into the run to make them jump a little, hens will crouch down in a defensive posture and cockerels will stand up as tall as possible in a protective/aggressive stance. It's instinctive, so works even though they are young.

[Glutton4...]

...What age would i be able to see the spurs start to grow/show?...

Errr dunno, but I've got 2 Hens with Spurs!

[RichmondHens]

Our new Rhodie cock is about 12 weeks and already his legs are very noticeably longer than the Rhodie girls and they are twice his age. Try comparing leg-length with mum's if it's already longer you might have a boy, if not then fingers crossed. Ours is also quite 'cockerelly' looking, in that I mean he looks very much like one of the old ones bred for fighting. Coco and Elvis were the same, although they were a little older when I got them and had started to fill out a bit and they don't look at all like that now. A tip I was given was to wait until they are calm then skim a hat into the run to make them jump a little, hens will crouch down in a defensive posture and cockerels will stand up as tall as possible in a protective/aggressive stance. It's instinctive, so works even though they are young.

I've never heard of the hat thing Bluemoon, I must try it and see. I find that when I have a bunch of chicks together, the males will spar when I let them out far more than the females (they do spar too but not in the same way).

[bluemoon]

I've never heard of the hat thing Bluemoon,

I've not had much success with it, if I'm honest. I was told this by one of the old boys at the lottie when I was convinced that one of my growers was a cockerel. I tried it, but they just all looked confused, possibly because in the end they were all hens after all. I have noticed since though that when crows or birds of prey fly over the cockerels do indeed stand upright and watch and the girls crouch down, so there might be some truth in it.

[Moony Moon]

Thanks for all of the input!

Just went and let them out this morning and guess what, HE did an attempt at a crow! Looks like i got myself a boy then :-(

Next question, anyone in need of 11 week old cock in Northamptonshire, willing to travel :-)