DAY-OLD CHICK SEXING

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 12, 13 July 1935, Page 28

DAY-OLD CHICK SEXING

A SPECIALISED WORK

Some publicity has been given during the past few weeks to the arrival in New Zealand of two chick-sexing experts. One, a Japanese, will be sexing in the South Island, while the other will be operating in the Wellington Province. Few poultrymen have achieved as much success as Mr.- A. E. Salisbury, of Upper Hutt,. and his latest' move to keep pace with developments was to have one of his staff specially trained in Sydney under Mr. Frank Evans. In this he took a considerable risk, as not every pupil of the art of chick sexing acquires sufficient ability to secure a first-class certificate. Mr. Doughty came through with flying colours,, and next month he will be conducting classes of instruction so that other New Zealanders can sex their chicks. The advantages of chick sexing have already been explained many times, and without doubt large breeders will have to be in a position to supply sex chicks if they are going to maintain day-old chick sales.

.There is, however, some doubt as to whether the average poultryman should ■ attempt to master the art of chick sexing himself, since it has been proved ' a highly-specialised work. Speed and accuracy are demanded, and these can only be obtained after constant practice. - The' learner will have to practice on at least 2000 chicks before he acquires any speed and a large number these will be valueless after having been; practised on. No doubt sheer;curiosity will'attract a number 'of .students, and since the fee for instruction ;ls low enough many students should avail themselves of the opportunity of learning the work. At the sanie time, prospective students must realise that if they are to make good they; must be prepared to practice on every available chick.