How to separate breeds during hatching?

[Coopsmom]

Hi everyone!

I have my second hatch set, due May 25t. Just candled and we’re looking pretty good!

Problem is, I’ve set 5 different breeds (LG incubator with fan and auto turner).

Just wondering if anyone has found a good way to separate breeds when they are all due to hatch at the same time?

My first hatch was some Wheaten Marans I purchased and some of my own “Easter Eggers”. Thankfully the Marans have very obvious feathered legs!

Now I have more Wheaten Marans, some BLRW, Cream Crested Legbars, a few orpingtons (possibly Jubilee, they were a gift), and a couple of my own Easter Eggers.

I tried to construct a few “chick jails” out of hardware cloth but they turned out too bulky. Anyone had luck with mesh bags (like garment bags for laundry)? I’m worried the chicks might feel claustrophobic

Any suggestions are appreciated!!

 

[The Moonshiner]

Again the Marans will have feathered legs.
BLRW should all have rose combs. Possible to get a single comb in some lines.
CCL have distinct pattern and yellow legs.
Orpington would depend what variety they are.
EE good chance of pea comb and green or dark legs.
I think you could tell by differences in the breeds or post pics if help is needed.
I do the 1/2" X 1" welded wire jails when needed

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

X2

 

[Coopsmom]

Again the Marans will have feathered legs.
BLRW should all have rose combs. Possible to get a single comb in some lines.
CCL have distinct pattern and yellow legs.
Orpington would depend what variety they are.
EE good chance of pea comb and green or dark legs.
I think you could tell by differences in the breeds or post pics if help is needed.
I do the 1/2" X 1" welded wire jails when needed

Great!

I was just a little worried about the BLRW and CCL. First time hatching them and pics on google are not helpful for distinguishing between the two...

The EEs I’ve hatched (same parents) all seem to be yellow down with black spots, so hopefully that continues!

Can you tell the difference between combs as day old chicks?? That would be helpful!

I will keep you posted. Hoping for a better hatch rate than my first try. These guys are due in 2 weeks!

 

[Ms Biddy]

Mesh bags work fine. I've used the soft plastic mesh successfully. The chicks were fine but I left plenty of room in the bag for both the chicks and the empty shells. I've also made dividers with hard plastic mesh. These work well too. Good luck!

 

[Coopsmom]

Mesh bags work fine. I've used the soft plastic mesh successfully. The chicks were fine but I left plenty of room in the bag for both the chicks and the empty shells. I've also made dividers with hard plastic mesh. These work well too. Good luck!

Thanks Ms Biddy!

I did buy some mesh garment bags and they are quite large. I might cut them down a bit and try that on one of the breeds just to see how it goes. I can’t wait to see the variety of chicks in a couple of weeks!

 

[jolenesdad]

The CCL and BLRW will be distinguishable. The CL will have eyeliner and very noticeable chipmunk striping.

You can (sometimes) notice things on day 1 with the comb, but in reality it’s probably still 50/50. Sometimes certain breeds like a leghorn are pretty noticeable right away, but there always outliers.

Some people believe you can tell come width as the down is still wet, but that’s not proven. I correctly sexed my Ameraucanas as they hatched by the comb, but I’m sure that was luck.

Many times sexing traits are not entirely true across the board and may apply to one specific line. It’s more important to be able to compare within chicks from the same line, from the same hatch, as opposed to generalizations across the board.

 

[Coopsmom]

Ok...so I thought I’d be able to tell my CCLs and BLRWs apart. BUT, after watching a couple of chicks hatch from each breed, they look the same to me

I had 4 of each hatch and I swear that some coming from the BLRW eggs have the chipmunk look, like the ones hatching from the CCL eggs! Then there are also a few that are lighter grey with no real markings that I can see yet. There are still 3 drying off in the incubator, but here’s a pic of the earlier hatchers that have fluffed up already.

Thoughts? (The yellow down chicks are my Wheaten Marans)

 

[The Moonshiner]

I don't know much about blrw chicks but I don't see any that look like CCLs.

 

[jolenesdad]

I don't know much about blrw chicks but I don't see any that look like CCLs.

Agreed. The silverish ones appear they could be but they look like they would be male and are missing a spot on their heads. Are you sure they are pure Legbars?