The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Helencus on July 11, 2010, 10:28:45 pm

Title: When can I be sure?
Post by: Helencus on July 11, 2010, 10:28:45 pm

My light Sussex chicks are now 14 weeks old. I think I have at least 5 cockerels if not more but only 1 has started to crow. How can I be sure if they're cocks or hens?? I feather sexed at a few days but could have got it wrong. When do cocks normally start to crow?

Title: Re: When can I be sure?
Post by: Castle Farm on July 11, 2010, 10:30:23 pm

When do cocks normally start to crow?

first thing in the morning ;D

Put a photo up and I will tell you.

Title: Re: When can I be sure?
Post by: Helencus on July 18, 2010, 10:02:12 pm

Thanks will get some tomorrow and post.

Title: Re: When can I be sure?
Post by: CameronS on July 18, 2010, 10:52:15 pm

if you want i can post a pick of my identical aged LS cockeral, who hasn't yet started crowing (thank goodness 4 of the damm things so close to the house could be hellish)

Title: Re: When can I be sure?
Post by: Cobra on July 19, 2010, 02:15:36 am

Other than wattles growing under the chin. Check the neck feathers, if they have developed enough, the end of the neck feathers will either be pointed, these are cock birds, rounded are hens.

Use a peice of coloured card held under them to help show them up, The method is Its called carding. (Im no expert on this, but my uncle swor by it.)

Title: Re: When can I be sure?
Post by: Helencus on July 19, 2010, 08:05:05 am

Thanks Cameron that would be good I suspect based on what's been said I have 7 .. Darn. Will put some pics later

Title: Re: When can I be sure?
Post by: little blue on July 19, 2010, 08:27:32 pm

hmmm, our LS cockerel was really obvious, from about 9 weeks, and is crowing now at 11/12 weeks. just his facial colouring and general cockiness!
(and we kept a Hamburg for a whole year thinking it was a hen - he must have been a cross, he was totally different from the other who was obviously male, and didnt crow til about 10months old.... so I'm no expert!)

post piccies please .....  :)

Title: Re: When can I be sure?
Post by: CameronS on July 20, 2010, 06:58:34 pm

i will try to get them sorted for you, took a pic but its the wrong one,  ::)