I have heard you can sex day old chicks... Advice please....

[teresa-78]

Hello I have 2 broodys sitting on a total of 16 eggs between them.. I want to keep a cockerel and some hens, my parents
also want some hens. Is there a way to sex day old chicks? if so how is it done... or is it best to wait until they are older....

Any advice greatly appreciated

 

[BlackBart]

I have used this technique with pretty good results.

 

[Treegod]

I agree with BlackBart. Feather growth is faster on pullets than cockerels. Usually I wait until a week until I'm really sure, at least until I can develop a "professional eye"

But I've also heard it might not apply to all chicken breeds.

 

[Happy Chooks]

What breed are they? Some breeds like Barred Rocks, Welsummers, Golden Cuckoo Marans, can be sexed at hatch fairly accurately.

 

[teresa-78]

I think 4 are orbington x.. not sure what with... and the other 12 are cuckoo marans x warrens..... well thats if they hatch lol