The Poultry Keeper

Aussie Chick · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 10:32 am Post subject: My New Chookies

Hi,
Well after a long day yesterday I have my new chickens. I collected the house 10 am and rang my Chicken lady who said I couldn't come over till 7pm! What a wait. So I had to amuse myself with work all day, until I could get them. When I got there she said she wasn't sure if they were pullets or cockerels! ( great), so I brought two home with the added value of exchange if one cockadoodledoos!
They got home about 9 and safely slept the night away.
This morning they seem really frightened. I am going to keep them in the house for a few days to get use to it and hopefully so they won't be so scared. I have been able to pick up the smallest one this morning and give her a cuddle, the other one is a bit flighty. If i keep going in and picking them up will this stress them out or will this tame them quickly?

Also, does anyone know how to tell female from male? They are 10 week old Marans.

I have taken pics but my camera is now refusing to talk to the laptop so I'll post them when the issue has resolved between them. ( hopefully not to long ).

They are cute!
Aussie Chick

CP · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 10:57 am Post subject:

Great, AC! Can't wait to see the pictures. Very Happy

Are there differences between their comb & wattles? That's probably the easiest way to tell. They could've been sexed at day-old by the spot on their heads, but too late now.

I would try getting them to feed out of your hand first, especially if they flap around a lot before you catch them. If you can pick them up without any fuss, then do so. Probably be easier when they have roosted at night. Go out then & pick each one up for a cuddle! I'm sure they will soon calm down.

Remember it's a big change for them, & quite stressful. Giving them ACV in their water will help.

HTH Very Happy

Knobby · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 11:01 am Post subject:

debcat · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 11:40 am Post subject:

It's the size of the spot.
Can't remember which is bigger though Confused

Knobby · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 11:43 am Post subject:

So....all Marans have spots on top ??

George · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 5661 Location: London

If you spot the spot, you know what you've got? Rolling Eyes

CP · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 11:49 am Post subject:

As far as I know it's the colour of it that makes the difference. But I can't remember if it's darker for boys or girls!

Good job I haven't got Maran eggs in my incubator then! Rolling Eyes

Knobby · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 11:51 am Post subject:

What.....you can have different cloloured white spots ???

debcat · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 11:58 am Post subject:

Where's Mojo?

bird_babe · Joined: 20 Apr 2005 Posts: 473 Location: wales

OK question (1) how much feathers do they have

as maran feather up
the cockerels usually are a lighter color . more light Grey/white
hens have dark feathers more black and white, but the color changes when they are a bit older.
cocks are more pretty than hens they have a larger more round shaped head, hens usually have a more pointy ugly face .if its pretty usually a cock if its a bit more ratty looking not so attractive hen. well that's what I think any way
O why is it the boys are always the handsome ones!!

Knobby · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 12:06 pm Post subject:

So those two up there are very cute....they gotta be boys then ???

bird_babe · Joined: 20 Apr 2005 Posts: 473 Location: wales

they are never ten weeks old, cant really tell
from that angle, but the one at the fronts a possible may be Laughing

debcat · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 12:14 pm Post subject:

the boys are lighter when they start to feather up and like B-B says much prettier.
I'm sure I read somewhere that the size of the spot when they are born is another way of telling,

bird_babe · Joined: 20 Apr 2005 Posts: 473 Location: wales

are those your two chicks knobby Question

have you noticed the one at the front has a white chin also his spot is smaller.

Knobby · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 12:31 pm Post subject:

They are yes........... ! I will take another pic tonight....theyre 3weeks old now !