Vent sexing: inspect the cloaca for a tiny protruding papilla; absence usually indicates female, but this requires skill and can injure the chick if done incorrectly
Feather sexing: compare wing feather length and growth pattern in breeds or crosses where males and females feather at different rates
Color sexing: use breed-specific down or feather color differences linked to sex in certain sex-linked crosses
Size and shape: compare comb size, leg thickness, and overall build, noting these are unreliable in very young chicks
Behavior: watch for early differences in posture, activity, and vocalization, noting these are not dependable for accurate sexing
DNA sexing: send a feather, blood, or eggshell sample to a lab for the most accurate early result
Breed knowledge: use sexing methods only known to work for the specific breed or hybrid
Wait and confirm: recheck as the chick matures, since many traits become clearer after several weeks