Tis Time for a March 2020 Hatch-a-long!

[UThobbyfarmer]

2 ourlt of 3 sexed ducklings are quacking let's see if I can be 100% right with my vent sexing.

Did you learn off the Metzer Farms YouTube videos? Or?

 

[FortCluck]

Did you learn off the Metzer Farms YouTube videos? Or?

I used their videos and I've seen sexing done at a farm.

2/3 so far so I'm happy. Ducks are easy to sex. I don't sex chicks because I haven't mastered that yet. Chickens are a whole different thing and it's harder to see. I need a big magnifying glass or something.

 

[UThobbyfarmer]

I used their videos and I've seen sexing done at a farm.

2/3 so far so I'm happy. Ducks are easy to sex. I don't sex chicks because I haven't mastered that yet. Chickens are a whole different thing and it's harder to see. I need a big magnifying glass or something.

Nice! I've seen their video. I was considering giving it a try when these ducklings hatch. Never seen it done in person though. Remind me how old are the ones you've "verified"? I only put that in quotes so you know I understand there is still a margin of error.

 

[FortCluck]

Nice! I've seen their video. I was considering giving it a try when these ducklings hatch. Never seen it done in person though. Remind me how old are the ones you've "verified"? I only put that in quotes so you know I understand there is still a margin of error.

I sexed them on day 1 (24 hours after they hatched). They're 3 1/2 weeks old right now.

The first few you do it's a bit nerve wracking, but just hold them right and you'll be golden.

I put their head between my pinky and right finger. Then use my thumbs on both sides of the vent.

 

[smfarman]

My March 21st chuicks that hatched 2 1/2 weeks now I believe are almost all males
Picture 1 & 2 Blue Andalusia, picture 3 & 4 Cream leg bars, picture 5 the in front the Lavender Orrington, picturev6 I am thinking a Blue Orrington, and picture 7 I thinking is the Orrington rooster X Barred Rock pullet and the last picture is 4 white rocks and 5 lakeshore eggers

 

[FortCluck]

So I failed on that year round hatch. I can't keep up with it... Sorry guys. Maybe someone else can do it. I'm too swamped with everything going on

 

[CluckNDoodle]

So I failed on that year round hatch. I can't keep up with it... Sorry guys. Maybe someone else can do it. I'm too swamped with everything going on

No worries, it doesn't look like I'll be hatching as much this year because of the virus anyway.

 

[FortCluck]

No worries, it doesn't look like I'll be hatching as much this year because of the virus anyway.

Same because I only can put so many in the freezer

 

[aliciaplus3]

Same because I only can put so many in the freezer

well I keep saying that we are not going to set as many this week .... and then find ALL the incubators full again! huh how does that keep happening?

 

[UThobbyfarmer]

My March 21st chuicks that hatched 2 1/2 weeks now I believe are almost all males
Picture 1 & 2 Blue Andalusia, picture 3 & 4 Cream leg are, picture 5 the in front the Lavender Orrington, picturev6 I am thinking a Blue Orrington, and picture 7 I thinking is the Orrington rooster X Barred Rock pullet and the last picture is 4 white rocks and 5 lakeshore eggers

That Orpington in the front of pic 5 is stunning! I think all chicks in that pic might be female? Hard to tell from that angle and just one pic. I'd keep watching for their combs to color up. Around 2 weeks you'll start to see some getting redder and wattles coming in.

I love your Rocks and Rock crosses! This makes me want to get some. Some of my favorite roosters ever were Barred Rock crosses. Amazing birds!