While some methods of sexing chicks are scientific (like DNA testing or vent sexing), the world of backyard poultry is full of "folk wisdom." Most of these are about as accurate as a coin toss, though a few have a tiny grain of truth buried in them. Here is a breakdown of the most common myths and wives' tales for sexing chicks. Pre-Hatch Myths (The Egg) These methods claim you can tell a chick's sex before it even leaves the shell. The Egg Shape:  This is the most famous myt

The Waiting Game: A "Visual Guide" to Spotting Roosters as They Grow Since we skip the invasive process of vent sexing day-old chicks, raising a straight run means playing a fun (and sometimes tricky!) waiting game. Nature has its own way of revealing who’s who, usually starting around 4–6 weeks of age. Here are the key visual and behavioral clues to look for as your chicks develop into teenagers. 1. The Headgear: Combs and Wattles (Weeks 4–8) This is often the very first in

When you choose "Straight Run" chicks, it’s often because the actual physical process of sexing a day-old bird is far more invasive and complex than most people realize. While it’s a standard industry practice, we choose to skip it to prioritize the health and safety of our birds. ​Here is a closer look at the technical—and often stressful—process of sexing a chick. ​ The Reality of Vent Sexing: A Delicate Operation ​The most common method for sexing breeds that aren't "color

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