Food Coloring?

[KC n KY]

I have a bit of an issue. I would like to hatch out some pure blood BLRW from my flock. However, I only have a trio of BLR's and they run with nine other sex-links. I do not want mutt babies but I am not sure how to distinguish which bird laid what egg. I think I read somewere on a thread that u could put food coloring around a hens vent area, so that a hens egg would be a certain color.

My questions-

Would food coloring on an egg affect the hatchability of an egg?

How do u distinguish what hen laid what egg?

ANY help would be greatly appreciated

Edited for spelling

 

[Judy]

Food coloring is supposed to be harmless, and I have also read of people doing this. I suppose it's worth a try.

Food coloring is used to dye those pastel Easter chicks, and they seem to grow up to be healthy roos with normal coloring, so why not? I believe they even inject it into the egg.

 

[Sportsterjeep]

Check this link on the american silkie bantam club website. http://www.americansilkiebantamclub.org/articles/Tips & Tricks for Pedigree Breeding.asp

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

I've been doing this for about 2 years. It doesn't affect the hatch rate of the eggs, etc. I put about 10 drops or so in each hens vent. The coloring lasts about 5-7 days. The eggs don't come out dyed, but streaked with the coloring.

 

[Sportsterjeep]

Sundown, how easy does it wash off the bottome of white or light colored silkies for show prep?

 

[KC n KY]

Thanx for all the help!!!! You guys are life savers. I think I am now going to go drop 'bout 8-10 drops in my hens vents!!

Thank u all so much

 

[growinupinfl]

Wow great idea,

I never thought of that...hmmmmm I think I'm going to try this. Thanks a lot.

Christal