vikchick Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 I have 4 buff orpingdon chicks there 8 weeks old anyone know how old they will be befor | can tell what they are ? I have a feeling i have 2 hens and 2 cocks as the hens have shorter tails the the other 2 could do with a bit of help here what do i look for as ive never had chicks befor sadly just lost my 2 ex batts to the fox a couple of weeks ago ....so upset they were so great i really miss them so also looking for a couple of laying hens if any one knows of any local ?? thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Little girlies hold themselves more horizontally than boys who are a little more upright, size of combs and wattles can also be a clue, I have also read that boys backs take longer to feather up. Check out Angels4's post below about Coco which has a pic of similar aged Orp chicks one of which may be a boy, the two birds do look quite different and may be of some help I would say you cant be 100% until one crows! however you can normally get a feel beforehand If in doubt post some pics - there are a few on here that are good at identifying the boys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griffin Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Yes show us pics and we'll tell you The boys should have the start of combs & wattles by 8 weeks where as the girls will not. The Domestic Fowl Trust isn't too far from you and they sell hybrid point-of-lay pullets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 I thought orps were hard to sex. I know we didn't buy 12 weeks old orps as there wasn't a 100% guarantee they were girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
