Sexing eggs!

[Guyswithchicks]

Quick update! My broody hen has hatched eggs from the first of my selected eggs (post #162) 11 from 12 eggs. The 12th made it to pip but didn't progress and was DIS this morning. The second broody is due in a weeks time. It will be interesting and I have to admit, a little bit exciting.

 

[lindalouly]

Ok I reread and took notes. I have my thermometer and thermostat calibrated... Incabator plugged in... Gonna let it sit to adjust where needed for a couple of days. Then I will be off doing my first hatch. Wish me luck.

 

[lazy gardener]

 

[lindalouly]

Just set thirteen eggs, all rounded. Now granted this is my first time trying so any survivors will be good!!!!

 

[lazy gardener]

Read Hatching eggs 101 yet? Excellent read and will answer questions you didn't know you even had.

 

[lindalouly]

Read Hatching eggs 101 yet?  Excellent read and will answer questions you didn't know you even had.

I read it through a couple of times. Can't really fix much else. Just gotta go for it and learn from experience.

 

[CherriesBrood]

So I put in some round eggs and they are finally starting to hatch. Once they do and get all fluffy I'm going to vent sex them and let everyone know my findings. I sure hope we were right about this.

 

[lindalouly]

How do you vent sex a chick?

 

[lazy gardener]

Good luck with that. IMO, it takes a lot of training, and it's easy to hurt the chick if you don't know how to do it right... then again... the best way to learn is by doing. But, here's the followup question: If you are able to vent sex them, and do it accurately, (considering that the hatcheries are typically 90% or less with their accuracy) WHAT will you do with this information? How will it benefit you in your management? Will you immediately cull the males? Or separate them out into a grow out pen? (I can't see the benefit there, as they would be raised the same as females, and could be separated when they declare themselves by secondary sex characteristics.) Or will you sell them? Not much market for DP cockrels.

 

[lindalouly]

I think they are going to vent sex for the outcome of the experiment. She/ he can record the outcome and change it as they grow.