Keeping track of chicken types during hatch

[karenej]

So I've got 31 eggs about to hatch any day. There are a mix of lavender ameraucanas, ee, and oe. How do I tell which chicks are which? I know the lavs will be whitish gray. Could I take the top off between hatching and put a band on their leg or marks on their toes with a sharpie? But I thought you're not supposed to take the top off during a hatch.

 

[SIMZ]

You shouldn't take the top off during hatching. I use little plastic containers to put the eggs in before a hatch to keep them separate. I put lots of air holes in them. Any kind of small plastic container that they can't get out of will work - some people use little fruit container baskets. Then I can figure out how to mark them after the hatch.

How close to hatch day are you? If you're still a few days away you can still do that. Otherwise, you'll just have to guess the best you can.

 

[karenej]

That's a great idea. Too bad I'm already on lockdown. It's day 19. Next time I guess.

 

[SIMZ]

The Lavender Ameraucanas should be pretty easy to tell. Do you have any idea what mixes your EE's and OE's are? That might help as far as color goes to be able to tell them apart.

 

[karenej]

They are all from my lavender ameraucana rooster. They are buff orpington or welsummer hens. Not really sure what to expect as far as coloring.

 

[dekel18042]

They are all from my lavender ameraucana rooster. They are buff orpington or welsummer hens. Not really sure what to expect as far as coloring.

When I bred olive eggers who had a welsummer mother, the chicks looked just like welsmmers (and could be sexed at hatch just like a welsummer )if that is any help to you.

 

[karenej]

Interesting. I didn't know you could sex welsummers. How do you do that?

 

[LLranch]

This link has how to sex welsummer chicks
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/746229/welsummer-hatching-eggs-12

 

[SIMZ]

Your little Welsummer mixes will probably have some striping on their backs, so that should help with telling those!