Handling your birds to determine sex

[raftree3]

For some it seems its possible to determine the sex of birds in the hand. What are things you look for?

[spirit wings]

Originally Posted by raftree3

For some it seems its possible to determine the sex of birds in the hand. What are things you look for?

I don't know ,but if they can do this why is there DNA sex testing ? some have a talent for it though esp if the birds are the ideal cock or hen, but it is not 100% like a DNA test would be. I have had my share of hen's being cocks and cocks being hens.

[NZ Pigeon]

Are you talking about the vent theory, you feel the pigeons vent depending on the gap between the two bones determines the sex. Its not 100% though, I prefer to use genetics where possible and if not just wait until they mate up, Then wait for fertile eggs... then I know I have a pair

[NZ Pigeon]

Originally Posted by spirit wings

I don't know ,but if they can do this why is there DNA sex testing ? some have a talent for it though esp if the birds are the ideal cock or hen, but it is not 100% like a DNA test would be. I have had my share of hen's being cocks and cocks being hens.

DNA sexing is a lot more accurate, People that cannot afford DNA sexing may use this method instead

[re lee]

Head, body, wing, Beak and wattle, Vent on a hen that has layed before As some young hens that never layed will not flex as much. Is often a good indicater of the sex. And as one raises there select breed they get where they can tell at least 95 percent of the time What the sex is. Just every so often a bird will fool you. and using the wing on young race birds in the nest at 3 weeks old one can often tell by just that if the bird is a cock or hen. By looking at the covert feathers Which on cocks are wider most often

[abluechipstock]

Avian biotech charges $19.50 or so for blood sexing. Kits are free. They also test for pmv etc.

[spirit wings]

Originally Posted by NZ Pigeon

DNA sexing is a lot more accurate, People that cannot afford DNA sexing may use this method instead

It is anywhere from 19 to 25 buck, do not think it will break the bank, but as you said waiting for the eggs is much easier.

[JaxRacingLofts]

I saw this video awhile ago and I was showing a guy at the club during basketing how it works and the hen flipped out of my hand...so its not 100% but other then that incident it worked for me at my home (maybe the hen was too excited with all the commotion going on I don't know) You could try it and see. Here's the link:

Sexing Pigeons

Warning: Don't try this outdoors.

The hen stayed "inverted" in my palm for maybe 10 seconds and then flipped out and flew off in a panic all over the club house. Nobody could near her intill someone said cut the lights off...so thats how she was finally caught.