How to sex swinhoe pheasant chicks

[92caddy]

I just got 7, 4 week olds and Im wondering if they can be sexed at this age?....................

 

[92caddy]

No one has any ideas?

 

[Tony K T]

Usually have to wait until they start to color out.Like the silvers,one day they look like a hen the next a male.
In N.H.,Tony.

 

[Snap62]

Have you tried 'witching"?

Take a string, or piece of fishing line approx, 12" long, and tie a bolt or washer to the end.

Hold the chick in your hand, on it's back, belly up.

Dangle the bolt or washer about 1" above it's belly very steady.

The bolt or washer should begin to move. If it swings in a circular motion, it's likely a hen. If it swings straight from head to tail, it's more than likely a rooster.

This has worked for me, on many occasions, and the best way I know of, short of waiting for maturity

 

[ticks]

Snap, I'm pretty sure that is an old wives tale. So, it probably doesn't work.

 

[92caddy]

I'll have to give that a try. I have a few others say to try that. I know of 2 people who swears by that. I dont have anything to loose so I may just try it............

 

[Snap62]

Quote:
It has worked for me consistently over the years with chicks and ducklings.

Why would the bolt swing in a different manner, when dangled above chicks of the same breed and age?

Have you tried taking a "known" rooster, and hen, and testing this theory? I have and it works every time.

I still check from time to time just to make sure I haven't "lost the touch"

 

[Gingerwood]

At 4 weeks the Swinehoe males will have solid black tails and the girls will have light colored bars or strpes on the tails.

 

[Tony K T]

At 4 weeks the Swinehoe males will have solid black tails and the girls will have light colored bars or strpes on the tails.

I have never noticed that.See you learn something new every day.Love the Palawan in your avatar.Do you raise them?
In N.H.,Tony.

 

[Gingerwood]

Hi Tony, you do a great job on here and I often check what you have to say about different subjects. Swinehoe just happen to be a favorite of mine and have been for some years. I also must give due to Roman K. I have learned lots from him over the past 30 years. I do have one unrelated pair of Palawans and they are a little hi strung but a beautiful pair. They eat out of my hand but hide from everyone else. Also have Impeyans Silvers, Lady Amherst, goldens and reeves. Would tlike o add Elliots this year if possible. We have been breeding ornamentals for about 30 years at gingerwood farms. Have a great day!