Oh My.... I think I need help...

[LostNConfused]

I went to the feed store today to see if I could order 3 juvenile Americauna Bantam hens... by the time I left I had ordered 5 unsexed Amercauna Bantams chicks.....

I need an idiot proof guide to how to take care of these little guys and any hints on how to tell as soon as possible if I got rooster. Are unsexed usually 50/50 rooster and hen? What do I do if I wind up with roosters?

Any and all help for the uninformed would be much apprieciated.

 

[LostNConfused]

Also, I live in central california ( the windy open desert, neighbors quarter-mile away part) and my chicks should be here mid to late April. The temps probably around 70- 90 degreses throughout the day and 45-60 at night depending on whether winter stretches out or we fly into full on spring/summer. Will I be able to keep them outside?

 

[chickkrakidd]

Well, one way I've heard about& several people say it works (although not very scientific or fool proof) is that you pick the chick up by the scruff if their neck, if their legs just kinda hang down, it's a hen. If they pull their legs up against their body, it's a rooster. Not sure of it works 100% of the time, but I've heard a few people say they trust it. I'm gonna test it when I get my 22 chicks in April. I have one that could be a roo or hen, the others have been sexed. After I test this theory, I'll let you know how it went.

 

[nurschic]

You should be able to able to keep them outside, but should give them a heat light during the night so that they stay warm. As for sexing..I have no clue, but you can search it on here. If you end up with Rooster(s), just place an add on craigslist for free or really cheap and someone will come get him. You can also call a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter that provides food and offer the roosters to them if they have someone that can butcher it.