Common problem or not?

[Nugget]

Thanks Moonlit, but as I understand wing pattern is a breed specific tool. The only way for all chicks is vent sexing which I will probably never have enough opportunity to learn (I have and only want a small number of chickens... but I did keep a GLW roo in case we decide to breed the GLW hen, so you never know

)

For how close reptiles and birds are in their lineage you'd suspect that temperature (or something) might have some impact on chick gender wouldn't you? Whoever figures that one out will be rich and famous

 

[d.k]

* See, that makes no sense to me cause look how pretty much exact the temps & such have to be when using bators!! So, sees like the "gender decision" in ckns ISN't made in the shell like w/ reps. . . . ??

 

[Mrs MIA]

I picked up 10 chicks from the feed store a couple of seasons ago, and one turned out to be a roo, so there's really no guarantee even getting them from the store. McMurray Hatchery was the one featured on Dirty Jobs a while back, and they supposedly have vent-sexing experts on hand - don't quote me, but I think they guarantee 90% accuracy, or something like that.
I just received my chick order last week... I ordered 25, plus they threw in a "free chick"... well, I got 27. They use the roosters as "packing peanuts" for extra warmth.

Interestingly, the two "extras" did not survive, along with two others - Alaska is a long trip! so I'll never know if they were roos or not. Time will only tell if the others turn out to be pullets or not.

 

[horsejody]

I read a study once about the ratio of cockerals to pullets. It was a long time ago, and I can't remember what publication it was in. It stated that that while still in the egg, cockerals were more resilient than pullets to adverse conditions. Therefore, cockerals were more likely to survive temperature fluctuations, rough handling,etc. I would be interested in knowing if this was true. Maybe someone out there has more info.

 

[Nugget]

How does it work to buy hatching eggs? Do you need an incubator? I've decided to take my chances and try another small order from the farm I got the first ones from. We should be getting them tomorrow. For small numbers (we're talking 3 or so) is it realistic to order through BYC? Do members ship by mail? How far is realistic to send them?

Sorry for the newb questions. Never looked into chick shipping before!

 

[kstaven]

Some breeds and color patterns are easy to sex visually on day one.

Yes nugget ... If you buy hatching eggs you will want an incubator and brooder. Most small breeders will not ship day olds because of cost and red tape issues.

Put a want ad on the buy sell here listing what you want. There may very well be a BYC member near you with what you want.