There are several main ways to distinguish the sex of chicks:
Cockscomb method: This is a commonly used method of gender discrimination. The comb of a rooster is usually larger and erect, whereas the comb of a hen is smaller and more rounded.
Feathering method: Roosters generally start to show tail feather growth around 12 weeks, while hens have no or less tail feather growth. Also, roosters may have brighter feather colors than hens.
Wing method: The length and shape of the wings can be observed before the chick is fully grown. Roosters tend to have longer and acutely angled wings, whereas hens have shorter and obtuse horn-like wings.
Paw method: Roosters usually have larger and rougher paws, while hens have smaller and softer paws.
Behavioral Trait Approach: After the chicks grow up, the rooster and hen will also behave differently. Roosters usually show aggressiveness, love to spread their wings, crow, etc., whereas hens are more docile, like pecking, etc.
It is important to note that these methods are not 100% accurate, especially when the chicks are not fully grown. The most reliable way is through DNA sexing, but this usually requires the help of a specialized laboratory.
In addition, it is difficult to determine the sex of an egg by its appearance within a few days of incubation, so if you are buying a newly hatched chick or hatching egg, it is best to consult a breeding specialist or veterinarian for a more accurate judgment.