The Ring/Nail Test Experiment (Just for fun)

[kelseyk]

Delawares are tested (day old) and matched what the eggs were marked.

 

[fsauwphoto]

Since all humans have what is called "physiologic tremor"(not even perceptibly to look at it most of the time) when they hold an arm still as when holding the string, would that not affect this testing? This can be made more obvious by holding still a piece of computer paper at the bottom and looking at the top end. More likely than not, it will have a shaking that is now obvious. Therefore, would it be more accurate if the string was suspended from an immobile points, such as a stick between two supports(like a seat on a swing set)? It would seem if this test has any validity, doing this would allow it to be obvious and not affected by outside factors. Just a thought!

 

[kelseyk]

Since all humans have what is called "physiologic tremor"(not even perceptibly to look at it most of the time) when they hold an arm still as when holding the string, would that not affect this testing? This can be made more obvious by holding still a piece of computer paper at the bottom and looking at the top end. More likely than not, it will have a shaking that is now obvious. Therefore, would it be more accurate if the string was suspended from an immobile points, such as a stick between two supports(like a seat on a swing set)? It would seem if this test has any validity, doing this would allow it to be obvious and not affected by outside factors. Just a thought!

A device to hold the nail on the string is in the works. So is finding a way to contain the 3 week old chicks so that they do not try to run away since I cannot hold them. The movement of the nail is also much more then a tremor. The line is a good 1/4-1/2 inch movement and the circle a good 1/4-1/2 diameter - nothing like the nail is when holding it above something that doesn't make it move.

 

[Santa621]

I have 4wk old chicks all are supposed to be pullets but I think one is a rooster. Can anyone tell if this picture

 

[kelseyk]

I have 4wk old chicks all are supposed to be pullets but I think one is a rooster. Can anyone tell if this picture

That one definitely looks more like a cockerel than a pullet.

 

[Santa621]

That one definitely looks more like a cockerel than a pullet.

That's what I think too. Guess we'll see as they get older. Just love my chicks don't care if it is or not. New chicken mom

 

[oldhen2345]

Exactly why I am doing this....just wanted to try it out just for fun. LOL! (Besides, I am bored and need the little break from my kids to keep my sanity....my chickens are my "me time". LOL!)

This sounds interesting. Can't wait to find out how accurate it is. The old wives tale I use is holding a chick upside down by its feet ( only for a few seconds) if it doesn't fight to stay upright, it is a hen, if it continues to try to right itself, a rooster. So far, it has not failed me, but then, I haven't had a wide variety of chicks to use it on- I usually get sexed chicks from a hatchery.

 

[kelseyk]

Tested my OE eggs yesterday - down to 3 out of 5. The double yolk that I thought I saw a little development in on day 7 and made the nail move did not show any further signs of development and the nail did not move at all. The questionable one that I could not see into and did not make the nail move showed no signs of development and still did not make the nail move.

2 out of 4 d'Uccles hatched yesterday - nail test on the last 2 eggs showed DIS, leaving them in the bator until Thursday (day 23) just to be sure. So far the nail test has not proven me wrong on the DIS though. Neither the last 2 Appenzellers or the last 2 Delawares (all 4 showed no nail movement on hatch day) ever hatched - they were given until day 25.

I will do the day old test on the d'Uccles later today.

 

[kelseyk]

Oh....tried out my nail on a string suspended by a wooden dowel between 2 5 gallon buckets to test the Svart Honas (in a plastic cup) at a week old......I'm going to have to do some troubleshooting on it. Between the chick moving and bumping the nail and trying to get the nail at the right height to get a reading....both the chick and I were getting a bit frustrated and I never did get it to give a reading.

 

[Newbie_Chicken_Lady]

Very interesting stuff. Can't wait to see if it is true. I might try incubating my own eggs for the first time ever! Maybe I can get an accurate reading and know before the chicks are born.