[Honeysuckle]

8 little babies, one week old.   OK, not hatched by me but bought by me!  :happy: 6 RIR and 2 black rocks.  3 are for my son and his family so that's 5 for me...      :happy:  :happy:

[NormandyMary]

Oh they are so lovely. I really shouldnt look at piccies of chicks, I get so broody. I still find it amazing how quickly you can see their feathers appearing. They do grow up so fast.

[Aunt Sally]

Are you hoping for boys or girls ?

[Honeysuckle]

I'm assured they're girls..... 

[Aunt Sally]

I know Black Rocks are sex linked (boy chicks have a white spot on their head) but I didn't think RIRs were.

[Honeysuckle]

Thanks for that.... the one with the white spot  will be returned tomorrow! We were told that should any be male we can return them.  We bought chicks from this place last year and they were all girls so I feel confident this one slipped through the net 

[Aunt Sally]

I've found a link with pictures for you.

Black Sex Linked Chicks

[Aunt Sally]

Do they vent sex the RIRs ?

[Honeysuckle]

Thanks for the link - I definitely have one with a white spot. 

I believe they do vent sex the RIR's. 

[GrannieAnnie]

If you've got a boy black rock, it's pretty certain its not a black rock.  The black rock breeders are VERY explicit about not letting their rearers have any boys.

We've got Shaver Blacks in the incy, and they will look the same as the black rocks, but they aren't black rocks

[Honeysuckle]

Do shaver black males have a white spot on their heads? 

[GrannieAnnie]

Yes, that's why we bought a small breeding stock of 20 hens and 2 cockerels.  This way, as long as the eggs hatch, we will be able to dispatch the boys as soon as they hatch!