I have recently purchased three buff orpingtons. Not sure what sex each is, they are at six weeks of age. About the only difference I can distinguish is that two of them have laid down tail features and the other one has its tail feature sticking up a bit. No dominance is being shown by any of the three and otherwise on markings they all look the same, even their size is the same by comparison. Any help or information regarding how to determine their sex would be appreciated.

I raise buff orpingtons, but I cannot sex them 100% for sure until they reach maturity. The hens will usually have the upright tail feathers. Watch the combs. The hens will have very small combs. If they start developing large combs, and holding their wings like they are venting in the heat, chances are that they are roosters. Also, watch their legs. The rooster's legs will grow larger, faster.
They will not show dominance until they are nearly mature, and then they will not show it to each other, they will show it to you. I have one old rooster that was so bad when he was young, that he would actually attack grown people. My sister was terrified of him.
Good luck

I raise pure breed Buff Orpingtons and I think that they are one of the best breeds available today. They are a dual purpose fowl being raised for eggs and meat. They are a very docile and are very gentle. I reccomend Buff Orpingtons to the beginner. It is very rare you find a mean Buff Orpington.

I AM A NEW COMER TO CHICKEN RAISING.I need info. My library only has 2 books on chickens and that are only generic and not much help. I have 4 buff orpington chicks.Three of them have grown feathers the other is about half way.They do not get on their perch at night.They can reach it,but seem to prefer to sleep in the grass. Is this ok?

YankeeD, a great book for you would be "Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens" by Gail Damerow. I have seen this for sale at virtually every feed store. You could also buy over the Internet from Amazon.com. According to this book, chicks are ready to perch/roost anywhere between 4 and 6 weeks. I checked my journal and my last batch of chicks were all using the perches after 26 days.