Another guess the sex thread

[walldanzig]

Hello All

I hatched some Barbu de Watsits and some silkie x light sussex and was wondering if anyone could help with the sex I would put my mortgage on the silvery one being a male but not sure about the others

[Glutton4...]

Well, my Chook experience is limited to ex-Batts and one Asbo Rooster. However, your silver one stands just like my Rooster, so I'd definitely agree with that one.

[walldanzig]

Thanks Glutton they are in temp homing at the moment I think the other Barble is a Girl if the other two are boys they may need bigger housing quicker than I thought. Just on a side note what are peoples opinions of those drinkers I have in there i'm not convinced they give the chicks enough water so I have put in a dish as well.

[RichmondHens]

Yep silver one definitely a boy. Can't really tell with the others though because of the wire!

[Bramble-Poultry]

The lavender/porcelain one is definately male. he even appears to hold his wings straight down which is a desirable trait in the show world. The other Barbu bird i cant get a good look at but would suggest by the way she is carrying itself its a hen. if you can get a good close up of the face i will be able to tell straight away.

The male barbu ghave very well developed combs literally from day one, but the hens retain a very short comb. look at the picture of my barbu hen on the marsh daisy / hatching thread for a typical "standard" barbu d'uccle hen and compare it to yours

[walldanzig]

Cheers Bramble. I don't think I will show wouldn't know where to start. I will get some clearer photo's tonight. They are a little flighty though I think I am going to get some more eggs to hatch and have a pen of them that are exclusive Barbu they are such gentle natured and have nice colouring

[its hilly]

On the drinkers..I use them for my chicks too, but find as they get a bit smaller than yours look that they are too small. They do get enough water but seem to take forever. I swap em onto the hanging ones (about 3/5l are a handy size for half a dozen smalls) hung at mid neck height they dont seem to spill it everywhere. Although one batch have got one of the big mason cash dog bowls. Trouble with that is that the dopy beggers insist on standing in it making it mucky all the time, and its on a block to lift it.
Gawd these babies are hard work when they get to teenagers

[walldanzig]

ha ha agreed I've got some clearer photo's again any help would be appreciated

[Bramble-Poultry]

i would say the millie is a girl, not sure of the other to, i am not familiar enough with the breed to be certain. round here they are known as either clockers or gold tops as they make excellant broodies.

[walldanzig]

They are know as gold tops round here as well I hatched their dad who is a silkie and their mum who is a light sussex with the aim of producing the gold tops and they are gorgeous. It's a bit sad but I feel quite proud of them.

[jessmorris]

I've got a hen very like these, with blue ear thingies, and you're right they are great broodies!