Chicks are graded into first quality or culls. Chicks that possess anatomical deformities, partially closed navels, crooked toes, excessively wet down, or twisted legs are culled.
The gender of day-old chicks can be determined by Feather Sexing or Vent Sexing. Feather sexing is based on the length of the primary and covert feathers on the wing. The top row of feathers is composed of the coverts and the bottom row of feathers are primary feathers.
In females carrying fast feathering genes, coverts are always shorter than primaries. Males carry slow feathering genes, so covert feathers are always as long as primary feathers.
For specific breeds of chickens sex-linked crosses can be used allowing for easy identification of male and females based on feather color (or feather growth). This only works for specific crosses.
Vent sexing involves examination of the Cloacal wall to detect Rudimentary Male Copulatory Organs.
Vent sexing is a skill that takes a long time to develop. It involves holding the chick upside down in one hand, expelling the fecal material and everting (turning outward) the vent area. The producer can then look for the presence or absence of a rudimentary male or female sex organ. This process sounds much easier than it actually is. To accurately sex chicks in this way, you need to be well trained and to have had a great deal of practice.
Spray Vaccination of day-old chicks in the hatchery is commonly used for mass administration of vaccines against Newcastle disease and infectious bronchitis.
Aerosolized vaccine viruses contact mucous membranes of the nasal passages, trachea, and lungs and stimulate both local and systemic immunity.
In addition, coccidiosis vaccines may be administered by a Spray, which settles over the down on chicks and is subsequently Ingested.
Chicks are sorted, counted, and placed into chick boxes before being moved to the chick holding area.
