[CameronS]

With hopes of hatching from an incubator for the first time ever i have realised i have some questions that i don't know the  answer to, any help much appreciated.

How do you sex day old chicks?
What breeds of hen are autosexing?
How Long should chicks stay in the brooder?
What breeds do well in an incubator - what would you reccomend?
Is there a way to persuade for more female, or is it totally pot luck?

Thanks
Cameron     

[jameslindsay]

Cameron the only way you can sex birds at a day old is by having the Auto Sex ones. I think it is pot luck what sex you have although there are those who say temperature pays contributes to it. I have incubated quite a few times (always ducks though) and it is a great experience. Depending on the weather really depends how long you have to keep them under a hot lamp. I have been tempted to hatch a few Goose eggs but don't know where to find these and worried too that it was all ganders I would hatch.

If you "google" autosexing chicks you will get a list of breeds that are autosexing. Good luck!

[CameronS]

I really only intend to hatch (or attempt to hatch) hens, but a may contemplate ducks towards the end of 2010,

[marigold]

James if you decide to incubate geese I coul supply the eggs and relieve you of the ganders. I think. I am keen to eat goose. Simon is up for doing the deed but says it would be easier if we haven't nurtured them!!!!! Worth thinking about anyway.

[cmorrell]

Can I ask what this autosexing thing is? I don't recall noticing the term before.

[jameslindsay]

Kirsty thanks for the offer, very tempting. I will have a think about it, when do  they start laying?

[jameslindsay]

Can I ask what this autosexing thing is? I don't recall noticing the term before.

Calum, certain types of hens can be sexed the moment they are born, the difference by say the male has a colour or marking and the female is plain etc.

[doganjo]

Can I ask what this autosexing thing is? I don't recall noticing the term before.

Rosemary told me that it's mostly the breeds with 'bar' in the name
Here is an interesting article on the subject - http://poultrykeeper.com/chickens/genetics/what-is-autosexing.html

[cmorrell]

Ah! Thanks James and Annie.