feather sexing 7 day old chicks?

[thepopela]

Hi, quick question... can i sex chicks that are 7 days old using the feather method? If so how accurate will it be?
cheers.

[RedThorn]

I believe that the the main feathers in boy develop faster, in my one hatching(yeah very experienced .. not!) this was the case. I seem to remember that the breed of bird makes a difference too

[RichmondHens]

It depends on the breed, what do you have? I am rarely wrong when sexing my own chicks and usually go by a combination of things. Pullets grow the flight feathers and tail feathers faster than boys. If you look at the chick side on a "pointy" wing shape normally says female, a rather blunter shape with all the feathers the same length is more likely to be a cock. But it's not foolproof. I also go by comb size and leg length. If you have a great big blundering chick it's very likely to be a boy. Also boys generally are bolder and easier to tame, girls are shy and more flighty.

[RedThorn]

yay thanks for the rescue RH

[thepopela]

Thanks for the replys, tbh im not sure what breed they are, i had 24 eggs given to me to incubate (9 hatched) they are from a local small holder who keeps chickens for egg laying. I'll try and find out what breed they are and get back.

[Hilary B]

There are breeds that are notoriously difficult, for most others the tail at 3-4 days is a reasonable guide. There will always be a chance of the odd 'pansy' cockerel or 'butch' pullet to fool you!

[Nicos]

Any chance of comparing a few piccies?????

[Scarlet]

I also go on several signs, my light sussex girls usually start to feather up before the boys, combs size, leg thickness, the way they stand etc. Though I must admit I do mess up sometimes!!

[petal]

whereas I give up completely on silkies!!!!