picking out chicks. Any secrets?

[Sassafras]

I will be getting chicks from the feed store this spring. I know to check to be sure their beaks are normal, straight toes/legs, bright clear eyes, normal healthy signs. I was told not to pickout the biggest ones as they will most likely be roos. They are supposed to be sexed but you know how that goes. Are there any words of wisdom someone tell me about picking them out or is it like puppies, they pick you?

 

[Teach97]

get a few extras....everytime you go....

 

[OrganicEggs75]

Do NOT pick chicks that have a pasty booty... Unless you want to be cleaning it 24/7
Get a few extras...
Pick the ones that move around alot (run away when you try to grab it) Slow ones not moving when you put your hand near I wouldn't choose as it could be sick...
What I did was I found one I liked, grabbed and checked it out, Then put in box if healthy.

 

[gritsar]

My roos have always been the smallest in the bunch.

I have three chicks with a broody right now. I'm already sure that the tiniest one, the least feathered one, is a roo and they're not yet two weeks old.

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

Remember to go in thinking you are only getting 5 but leave with 25

 

[GardeNerd]

Calm and gentle. Not fidgety and not the first one that comes up to check you out. If the chicks just arrived, there won't be much else to go by, unless you want barred rock, those are easy.

If they have been there a week or two... and if you are looking for heavy breeds like orpington or cochin, look for early feather development in wings and tail.

Here is a link that might help a little: http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/sexingchicks.html

 

[Sassafras]

well, I only wanted 4 but the minimum you can buy by NH state law is 12. I am hoping to find some one to split the order or sell some when they are a bit older. I'm building my coop in my existing barn so they will at least have plenty of room if I fall in love and cannot part with any.

 

[Iheartchicks<3:)]

Whenever i put the chickens in the box i watch how they react, the ones that are mean to the others (for me anyway) were ALL roos.

 

[Rose66]

Quote:
What about Barred Rocks make them "easy"? Do you mean they are easy to tell which is a roo vs. pullet when they are days old chicks? If so, please tell me what you look for in Barred Rocks. Thanks!

 

[CoopDeDoo]

Quote:
What about Barred Rocks make them "easy"? Do you mean they are easy to tell which is a roo vs. pullet when they are days old chicks? If so, please tell me what you look for in Barred Rocks. Thanks!

Yes please share

I also will be getting mine from the local farmers coop/feed store in early March. Not trying to hi-jack the thread but since we're already talking feed store chicks - why get "a few extras"? We can only have 3 per city ordinance so I was only going to pick out 3.

Oh & what the heck is a "golden sex-link" chick?

Thanks everyone!