How do you tell the difference between ethical and unethical farms?

How do you tell the difference between male and female baby chickens?

• I would like to know how to tell the difference between Double Laced Barnevelders (I've heard that females have gray brown chests and males have white, but I'd like to double check), a black and a white Orpington (not the difference between black and white, lol, but how to tell the difference between male and female black ones and white ones separately), Barred Plymouth Rock, Red-Brown Welsummers, and Silver Duckwing Dutch bantams. All of the breeds here would be the bantam versions and I listed the colors because I know that sometimes you can tell the difference between gender by looking at color. I also know that not all of these will be able to tell, but i would like to know if there are ways that you CAN tell. Thanks in advance.

• Answer:

  Barnevelder: (From what I hear) Females are dark, males are lighter. Females also feather quicker. If this doesn’t work out for you the males should grow black breast feathers, and the females should stay within the typical lacing pattern. Orpington: You are going to have to wait, and keep an eye out as they age, since gender can’t be determine by color. The other ways of sexing (for all breeds) Comb will grow faster in male and turn red, female will not turn red until a few weeks before they lay. Males tend to have awkward looking bodies, while female are more filled out as they grow. Males tend to have thicker legs, and may have spur bumps (some breeds hens grow spurs as well) Male will get pointy neck, and saddle feathers (near tail) will tend to be slightly more shinny, and will grow a curved tail (female will be straight) Barred Plymouth Rocks- Males have yellow legs, females have darker legs, and a more pronounced dot on their head. Red Brown Welsummer and Silver Duckwing Bantams: From the best of knowledge with these two breeds (unless you can tell by the comb) you will have to wait for the cheast feathers to start to come in. Males will be black, and hen light brown. Good luck, you will have a very pretty and interesting flock. If you have any questions feel free to contact me via email, Jamie/Rhode Runner