Sexing Chicks

[dairyman]

I have a variety of Banties, Buffs, Americaunas, Ostrolops, Dominequers, and Sex Links.(I'm sure there are tons of spelling errors.) Can you give me some tips on sexing them? I have no idea on how to do it, but i really need to for separation and pairing purposes. Thanks! God Bless!

 

[Judy]

Sex links have different colors for each sex. Usually only the females are sold, as they are not a breed, they are a hybrid, and hatched chicks won't necessarily be sex linked.

Otherwise, most chicks are sexed by professional vent sexers, which runs about 90% accurate, and needs to be done when they are newly hatched. Some strains of certain breeds can be sexed by feathers but I don't think this is even as accurate as vent sexing. To some extent you may be able to guess fairly accurately at a few weeks by behavior, stance and how fast they feather compared to their breed mates. In some cases, about all you can do is wait til they crow or lay.

Many Dominiques and Barred Rocks can be sexed as new chicks: here is how:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/273471/plymouth-rock-thread/2700_20#post_9058530

Look through our What Breed or Gender is This? forum, here, and you will learn a fair amount about it.

 

[dairyman]

Thank you!