craftyhunnypie Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 I know - a daft question. But I normally hatch pekins & silkies which I can actually sex very early on. I've now got 5 Gold Laced Wyandotte chicks that are 3 weeks old & just wondered if anyone knows of any obvious differences between the males & females at this age? Of the 5, one of them has always been a lighter colour - more beige with stripes & a golden sort of head when it was hatched. The others are now black with the gold laced wing feathers. The pale one is still quite beige with a orange/ gold head & does have wattles starting. It is also soppy when handled. No obvious hackles yet & no change in comb. Just the colour difference really. Any expert? Redwing?? Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Redwing had one of my Gold Laced Wyondottes back a couple of weeks ago and was sure he was a boy. I had two and the boy was clearly a boy from about 4 weeks, redder in the face that the other one. How do you sex pekins and silkies I have two pekin bantams and one silkie and I think one Pekin is a boy as his comb is bigger than the other ones but the silkie I have nothing to compare with and have heard that they can be difficult to sex. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griffin Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 I've only hatched silver laced Dottes, both were boys and they took forever to feather up, had really thick legs and red faces and it was obvious by four weeks what they both were. As for Pekins and Silkies, by four weeks I've usually got a good idea but others can keep me waiting. Pekins mature really quickly, and some girls can look like boys at an early age. Some boy Silkies are generous enough to start developing bobbles on their comb at four weeks which is usually a good guide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 A red comb and wattles is the sign for sexing GL Wyandottes early. They are so much easier than silver laced! The females tend to have darker pigmented combs and not as red If you are unsure then post some pics up or wait a little longer as the males start getting their distinctive feathering Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 I must go and inspect Tumble closely for bobbles Tumble is now 8 weeks and so cute, I hope she is a she Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Post up a pic of Tumble Chrissie, at 8 weeks I'm sure a few of us who have hatched Silkies will have a fair idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Those bearded mini silkies are a nightmare, I hatched some normal Silkie in Feb and have sexed those no problems but the mini bearded ones hatched in November/December were impossible - literally crow or lay an egg stuff I've just convincingly sexed them and they went from being 100% four pullets to three pullets and a cockerel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted June 12, 2012 Author Share Posted June 12, 2012 Well my mum stayed this weekend & had 5 room mates ( the chicks). She was rudely awoken every morning at 4am by a crowing 4 week old orange leg ring chick!! Little devil! One down 4 more to sex. I am very upset tonight as their mummy has gone missing. She didn't hatch these - the incy did. But since then she has been incredibly broody. We think she has found a cosy spot somewhere & is sat on a clutch of eggs, as we haven't had any Marlene eggs for a few days, even though she has been around. She has been missing all day today. Thing is I can't find her anywhere. Asked neighbour to check in his hen house etc - but no. The thing is on a smallholding & neighboughbours smallholding, there are lots of hidey holes for a broody. I pray that in 3 weeks time she emerges from her hiding place with chicks, safe & well. I have had a little cry tonight, as I her chicks are just mini versions of her. Plus Sid the cockerel loved Marlene - she was his favourite, both are Gold laced Wyandottes. Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daxigirl Posted June 24, 2012 Share Posted June 24, 2012 Any sign of Marlene yet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted June 25, 2012 Author Share Posted June 25, 2012 Yes yes!!! Marlene was found in the chicken house about a week ago, as if nothing had happened. Little Madame. We thought we were seeing things when we egg collected. Mind you she had decided to sit on the daily eggs. We think she got shut in next doors barn - but not sure. Still haven't found her egg stash - but sooo thrilled she is back safe! The Wyandotte chicks are outside now - yes at 6weeks. I have been assessing the weather. They now live in their yellow Go until they grow & a few of them go to pastures new. They take themselves off to bed no problem. They have to be the most quick learning, quick growing & hardy chicks I've ever had. Definite 2 girls & definite 1 boy. Still not decided on the last 2. Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
