Sexing chicks on heritage breeds?

[estheramelia]

Is there any way to known the gender of one day old heritage breed chicks? If I take the chicks to the vet for a DNA sexing, how long would it have to wait to get the results? Help!

 

[QueenMisha]

Unless it's an autosexing breed, no. Most heritage breeds can be sexed at 8-12 weeks of age.

Most vets will get you DNA results in 1-2 weeks, but some of the slower places can take up to 4. Average test cost is $25-$35 per bird.

 

[feedman77]

On certain breeds you can wing sex chicks by the way the primary feathers come in. I know it works on rhode island red chicks.

I don't remember if you are looking for straight line of feathers or offset.

But a gentleman sexed some out of a straight run pen. Wanted 10 hens. He spread their wings and I got 10 hens.

 

[compubob1]

All long are male and alternating female.