thenewchick Posted May 21, 2011 Share Posted May 21, 2011 I have hatched my own chicks, who are growing very fast and are 7 weeks old now. My question is how long will I be able to keep them all together (taking that they are half girls and half boys not 100% sure yet) before the boys start fighting or would they not do that since they have been raised together? Also, at what age do the boys start to crow? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atsw Posted May 21, 2011 Share Posted May 21, 2011 Approx half the hatch will be boys. When you can tell will depend to a big extent on the breed, but crowing is a sure sign! Based on my personal experience with Pekins, the boys are OK together until the girls come into lay, then the fighting starts. Some people have better experiences than others, again a lot depends on the breed and also a certain amount is down to luck. Andrew Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted May 21, 2011 Share Posted May 21, 2011 Boys raised together are normally ok till the hormones kick in (16 weeks ish) then they will fight over the girls You could separate the boys from the girls though and they can continue to live together as long as the girls are out of sight Boys start crowing typically from 13 weeks ish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thenewchick Posted May 21, 2011 Author Share Posted May 21, 2011 Thank you for the replies. I do hope they are all girls, but as 3 look and act like boys already I don't think it's going to happen. I will wait until they either lay an egg or crow then I will be sure what they are Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
