Hang a baby chick by its legs to sex?

[Coopster217]

I read it on the facebook page that you can tell the gender of a chick if you hold it upside down for a few seconds. If it just hangs there with little to no fight, it's a Male, if it freaks the hell out the whole time, it's a female. This seems mean to me. Is there any truth to it?

 

[ShannonR]

This must be how Tractor Supply sexes their chicks. It all makes sense now!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It is total nonsense.
I can name a dozen more old wives tales that have no basis in fact.

 

[slordaz]

just cause it's on the internet doesn't mean it's true, I am sure there are some experts here that know how to vent sex a young chick, but I can guarantee you that is not one of them. I just patiently wait until I can tell when they are older.

**observing them and interacting with them will give you more clues to as they grow

 

[LizzzyJo]

These kinds of sexing tricks have never worked for me. I've definitely heard that one! But, alas, i've experienced both genders acting both ways. If you aren't a trained butt-looker its a waiting game

I've also had little girls that crowed and grew huge combs - and boys who didn't...

 

[rosemarythyme]

I would think most chicks would struggle if held upside down, just saying...

Someone on here not too long ago followed some old wives tale to sex a chick and ended up breaking its neck.

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

This must be how Tractor Supply sexes their chicks. It all makes sense now!

makes total sense now!!!

 

[Folly's place]

ANY such method in young chicks will be 50% accurate. Good enough, right?
Mary

 

[ChickenCanoe]

This must be how Tractor Supply sexes their chicks. It all makes sense now!

I recall about a year or so ago someone posted on here about witnessing a TSC employee doing exactly that. I'm sure some old timer had told him about that technique so he just ran with it. Again, that's one way these old wives' tales get perpetuated. I can imagine everyone he "sexed" chicks for now thinks the same thing - that is until they end up being 50:50.

Either that or the employee knew they had been vent sexed at the hatchery, all were pullets and he wanted to show off like he knew something.

 

[AltonaAcres]

There are many Old Wive's tales about how you can sex day old poultry. Many people claim they work, and others swear they don't. If it seems cruel to you, don't do it.