Autosexing breeds?

[EOD Daddy]

Why do you think autosexing breeds are not as popular as they should be? I have been reading about the Hampbar an autosexing breed that lays about 250 extra large eggs a year and still is big enough to make a good stewing hen when her laying years are up. Also, being a true breed unlike sexlinked chickens they live longer and lay longer. They do not get as big as Bielefeld chickens but out lay them and eat less. To me they sound like a much better option than some other autosexing breeds and sexlinked breeds. But that is what is written does anyone have any true hands on experience with autosexing breeds? Any idea why they are not as popular as they should be?
Just kind of a topic for discussion today.

 

[Jener8or]

Well auto-sexing breeds have only been around for about 100 years or so. Once we figured out vent sexing and hybrid sex-links, it has made it so we no longer need to cross barring into breeds (New Hampshire crossed with a barred breed = Hampbar) so it's easier to vent sex and create hybrids than creating new breeds (or new auto-sexing versions) of breeds.

 

[EOD Daddy]

Vent sexing is only 80% accurate with pros doing it. Sexlinks are not a true breed and do not breed true. Autosexing breeds are true breeds and do breed true. You must keep at least two other breeds to make Sexlinks. Autosexing chickens just seem more common sense to the average homesteader and backyard chicken keeper.
For the following reasons.
1. They breed true.
2. Are sexed at hatching
3. Are true dual purpose chickens (Some more towards meat some towards eggs)
4. They are self sustaining as a breed.
5. You can even get them with different colored eggs.
6. Most would be considered heritage breeds as they are over 50 years in existence. Some such as Dominique have been around hundreds of years.
7. Several are as beautiful as any breed if that is what trips your trigger.

VS Sexlinks
1. Sexlinks are not a true breed and you have zero genetic predictability.
2. Are not self sustaining. You must have two other breeds to keep them going.
3. You are dependent on a hatchery in most cases to replenish your flock.
4. Typically, do not meet the true vision of a homesteader as you may be dependent on a hatchery.

VS Heritage Breeds
1. They are heritage breeds just sexable at hatch.

I see them as superior on average to Sexlinks and at least on par with any Heritage breed.

 

[BoundlessLove]

Just make sure you get quality birds to breed.
Some of the hatchery Cream Legbar chicks seem to be subpar and not as easy to sex at birth.
This is from personal experience.
I have from hatchery and breeder.

 

[Jener8or]

Vent sexing is only 80% accurate with pros doing it. Sexlinks are not a true breed and do not breed true. Autosexing breeds are true breeds and do breed true. You must keep at least two other breeds to make Sexlinks. Autosexing chickens just seem more common sense to the average homesteader and backyard chicken keeper.
For the following reasons.
1. They breed true.
2. Are sexed at hatching
3. Are true dual purpose chickens (Some more towards meat some towards eggs)
4. They are self sustaining as a breed.
5. You can even get them with different colored eggs.
6. Most would be considered heritage breeds as they are over 50 years in existence. Some such as Dominique have been around hundreds of years.
7. Several are as beautiful as any breed if that is what trips your trigger.

VS Sexlinks
1. Sexlinks are not a true breed and you have zero genetic predictability.
2. Are not self sustaining. You must have two other breeds to keep them going.
3. You are dependent on a hatchery in most cases to replenish your flock.
4. Typically, do not meet the true vision of a homesteader as you may be dependent on a hatchery.

VS Heritage Breeds
1. They are heritage breeds just sexable at hatch.

I see them as superior on average to Sexlinks and at least on par with any Heritage breed.

Yes, they make sense and are great for the average chicken-keeper and homesteader. I'm not arguing against them but the market and trends are led by industry and on a commercial scale, only selling auto sexing breeds would be huge a lost opportunity for hatcheries.

Plenty of hatcheries sell breeds that are auto sexing, so it's nice to have options. Not trying to debate one vs the other, just trying to help answer your question.

 

[EOD Daddy]

Boundlesslove,
Thanks, not even sure they are what I want. If I do Hampbar seem to be what I would go with do to egg production and size (Medium). I am just putting my ideas out here and seeing if they stand up. I am also looking at Dominique and Hollands. I like to keep something no one else has and to help keep them going. I have in the past had hundreds of Sexlinks, and heritage breed chickens. I guess now I am older and want something different.

 

[EOD Daddy]

Jener8or, You make some excellent points with the hatcheries.​

Thank You!