Australia - Six states..and that funny little island.

[Mondari]

If you take your chicken to the vet, can they sex them? My neighbours have 3 hens and they all have combs but definitely lay eggs

 

[Outpost JWB]

That is a good question. There is so much dna testing out there, you'd think they could draw a little blood and see what it is.

 

[IamSamSam]

Mondari all hens have red combs it's just that roosters tend to get them earlier and they are redder then hens at a much earlier age.

Vets could tell you but unless u know someone it will be expensive.

This is my girl

 

[satay]

That is a good question.  There is so much dna testing out there, you'd think they could draw a little blood and see what it is.

They probably could but the cost of the blood work and the results would out way that. You can get them probe tested but it think its only about 80% accurate some places out here do it.

 

[vehve]

Last time I looked, DNA sexing a single chicken was 50 euros in the lab we looked it up at. Not really worth it, in my opinion.

 

[Fancychooklady]

If you take your chicken to the vet, can they sex them? My neighbours have 3 hens and they all have combs but definitely lay eggs

There are various sexing techniques used in chickens. Vent sexing, DNA, colour sexing and time and experience. Silkies are the exception to the rule and it can just be a matter of waiting for an egg or a crow.
As Sam said all chickens have combs, cockerels tend to redden at 5-6 weeks , whilst hens will stay pale until around 18-22 weeks of age or as they come into lay. Many of these are subtle signs and it takes a few hatches before you learn to recognise them but over time and with experience you will.

 

[Teila]

Out of curiosity I did a quick check for DNA sexing in Australia

I found one place but while they mentioned 'DNA Bird Sexing' it did not specifically mention chickens and had pictures of parrots on the site 'Avian DNA Sexing'

1-9 birds $17.90 each and 10+ birds $14.90 each; Express results with 48 hours or $9.90 per bird, results in 3 to 5 business days.

Not too expensive but I think I would rather wait and see. Also I am a big softie and can't bring myself to pull 2 of my little ones feathers

1. Label each collection bag or envelope
   
   Label a plastic bag or envelope forevery bird. Use identification, or name. ie . Ring No.3A, Charlie-Bird, etc
2. Print out this form
   
   ​
   
   Print out the Sample Form and fill in information about the birds being sexed. (Click here to download the form.)
3. Take the bird samples
   
   
   
   Pull 2 feathers from the bird with one swift motion and place them in the bag or envelope labeled for that bird.
   You cannot use feathers that have been picked up
   off the floor.
   You can pull any feathers for sexing, but try not to make them too small (ie. not less than 2cm or 1 inch). The best size is between 4 - 8 cm (2-3 inches).
4. Return the form and samples to our laboratory
   
   1. Make sure all the samples are correctly labeled.
   2. Make sure the payment details have been provided in the Sample Form.
   3. Insert the labeled samples & Sample Form in your envelope.
   4. Mail your samples to our laboratory at

 

[IamSamSam]

Er. I don't think I could either Teila.

 

[Fancychooklady]

While that doesn't seem very expensive I have to ask the question, ' why '? If I were to have mine DNA tested would that make it easier to dispose of young cockerels or would it make it possible for me to sell out all of my cockerels to some poor unsuspecting family that would ultimately be faced with dealing with problem. I know that if I hatch eggs that I will eventually have to deal with excess roos. If you don't have the heart to cull , I can't see the point in testing. By the time you add the cost of the chick and the testing , you may as well buy POL.

 

[AussieChics]

I would feel so guilty selling them to someone knowing they Are roos. Rather wait and advertise. You'd be surprised how many people want them. As long as they are keeping them or eating them 1 less worry for me.

just need to make sure they arent taking them to fight.