Whis is it that some chicks are born with and some without a comb

[Old Rando]

In order for feather sexing to work the males must have the slow feathering gene and the females must be fast feathering. Most breeds are not bred this way.

 

[Bock_Bock]

ok i see so practically having mutts is a sure fire way for this not to happen right lol

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

Just thought I'd throw this out there:

Leghorns and broiler breeders are two examples of birds lines that are feather-sexed.

 

[Bock_Bock]

thanks i am going to see if i can find a full list but i was just wondering like i posted about does the bird with the gene have to be pure bred or can it be a mix?

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

It just depends on the genes ya know?

For instance, the Leghorn males that we use on the farm are the ones with the slow-feathering gene. I'm fairly certain they have to have been bred specifically for that purpose of the slow-feathering gene and with mutt birds...you usually won't find it unless it's been specifically bred for in them as well.

 

[Bock_Bock]

thanks rp i will just hope the ones i keep are females then

 

[columbiacritter]

Not scienttific, but I can tell about 80% accuracy within the first two weeks by how fast they are developing. The boys just take longer to feather and put on size. Also their behavior is usually markedly diiferent.

I have my brooder split in half and start dividing keepers and likely nots by the second week.