Suzy J Posted February 10, 2007 Share Posted February 10, 2007 We were given a hatching egg which hatched on 27-12-06, the breed is mixed but we believe mainly Rhode Island Red, being novices we are unsure how to tell a hen from a cockerel, can anyone help please? We have put three photos on the internet which were taken this morning so the age of the chick is 6 weeks and 3 days. Thanks for any help or comments http://www.trophies4fun.co.uk/chick/chick1.jpg http://www.trophies4fun.co.uk/chick/chick2.jpg http://www.trophies4fun.co.uk/chick/chick3.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 10, 2007 Share Posted February 10, 2007 I believe that if the feathers are rounded at the end then its a hen, but if they are pointy and sharper looking then its a cockerel. Also I read recently that if startled, a cockerel will look upwards,craning its neck, whereas a hen will crouch. Can you take a pic of some of its feathers, with a piece of white card underneath for contrast? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted February 10, 2007 Share Posted February 10, 2007 Hi Suzy! What a sweetie! I have moved your question to the chickens section, so more people will hopefully respond to it! I can't tell, s/he is too young to squat yet when approached, as this only really begins to happen when they reach a more mature age, i.e. sexual maturity, around 20 weeks. I believe the feather shape is supposed to be a good indicator, but as Lesley will tell you, it is really difficult to tell..... and not always correct! Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 10, 2007 Share Posted February 10, 2007 Hello...me again. Got this of another forum. Features to look for when trying to sex chickens. Cockerel at 5 weeks of age Comb Medium size, pinkish Legs Sturdy, long Tail Stumpy, curved Back Downy with thin line of stub feathers down centre Side of neck, crop and flanks Feathering poorly advanced Wing bows Bare, showing wing covert quills Carriage Erect and alert Pullet at 5 weeks of age Comb Small, yellowish Legs Finer, shorter Tail Longer, straight Back More advanced feathering along centre & flanks Side of neck, crop & flanks Feathering well advanced Wing bows Covered with small feathers Carriage Lower set Can't guarantee its accuracy, but I though you would be interested. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted February 10, 2007 Share Posted February 10, 2007 I think its a hen too. We had our chickens at 8 weeks and they look exactly the same as the photo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzy J Posted February 10, 2007 Author Share Posted February 10, 2007 Thanks for the info it all helps.. This chick does squat sometimes when approached but I was unsure whether this is just a young bird thing. Camera batteries gone flat now and left the charger at work just typical so cant get any more pics just yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted February 10, 2007 Share Posted February 10, 2007 It does look more like a hen - but I'm def. no expert . My way is to wait 20 weeks and see if they start crowing (then eat the ones which do!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 10, 2007 Share Posted February 10, 2007 This chick does squat sometimes when approached My money's on a hen! Looks cute, whichever it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted February 10, 2007 Share Posted February 10, 2007 my husband who works with 100,000 chickens thinks its a hen !! (but then again he's not always right, as I LIKE to point out ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted February 10, 2007 Share Posted February 10, 2007 probably no help but I have a gratuitous pictures of Abbie the RIR at 20(?) weeks I believe that if the feathers are rounded at the end then its a hen, but if they are pointy and sharper looking then its a cockerel. I think that's the neck feathers where they join they back. (on right) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
