Picking up straight run BCM and EE advice for how to choose day old chicks.

[Paradisefarmshomestead]

Hey! I know picking up day old chicks that are straight run has very limited guarantee of female/male outcomes. However I was wondering if there is any indicator at all in a day old chick? Would it benefit me to choose chicks that seem to have some different patterns to insure they are not all roosters?
Thanks for your help!

 

[cavemanrich]

Opt for the sexed pullets from your supplier. They are usually a tad higher in price, but well worth it, (if you want only pullets) Your chances are at about 90%.
The straight run batches are often a way for suppliers to unload their extra cockerels IMO.
Yes, I know that reputable sellers do not do this intentionally, since they will sell sexed cockerels at a reduced price.(compared to pullets).
Many peeps don't mind the straight run, since they raise them for food source. Eat the cockerels when due , and process the hens once they no longer produce well. That is a reality of chickens worldwide.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, and

 

[Paradisefarmshomestead]

Opt for the sexed pullets from your supplier. They are usually a tad higher in price, but well worth it, (if you want only pullets) Your chances are at about 90%.
The straight run batches are often a way for suppliers to unload their extra cockerels IMO.
Yes, I know that reputable sellers do not do this intentionally, since they will sell sexed cockerels at a reduced price.(compared to pullets).
Many peeps don't mind the straight run, since they raise them for food source. Eat the cockerels when due , and process the hens once they no longer produce well. That is a reality of chickens worldwide.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, and

Hey thanks! The person I’m picking them up from is also not sexing them. I believe it’s more of a side business. He’s selling them as hatched. They hatched today and I’m picking up tomorrow. I’m hoping no one has sexed them already and taken the pullets.

 

[Gray Farms]

Vent sexing is the only way to sex those two breeds this young. Just pick the ones you like and fingers crossed you don't get to many cockerels. Do you have a plan for the cockerels yet? If your not keeping them you might start looking for somewhere to rehome them. Buy extras if your wanting a certain number of pullets. For instance if your wanting 10 pullets in the end buy 20-25 straight run chicks.

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

There really isn't any way to tell this young except by vent sexing.

Post pics of their combs at 6 weeks or the gender.

 

[Paradisefarmshomestead]

Hey everyone update time! I only got a few of each because they were so expensive. But I’m happy! Hopefully I’ll get one or two hens minimum. I’m okay with that number! I intend to breed them myself if I can.

 

[Gray Farms]

Good looking chicks. Post new pics at 6-8 weeks of age.

 

[Paradisefarmshomestead]

Vent sexing is the only way to sex those two breeds this young. Just pick the ones you like and fingers crossed you don't get to many cockerels. Do you have a plan for the cockerels yet? If your not keeping them you might start looking for somewhere to rehome them. Buy extras if your wanting a certain number of pullets. For instance if your wanting 10 pullets in the end buy 20-25 straight run chicks.

If I can breed them I will. If not I think killing them and eating them is the next option. We have gotten these chickens to help sustain us food wise. Eggs, meat etc. I’m working really hard to not grow attached to these guys.

 

[Gray Farms]

Don't name them

 

[drumstick diva]

agree