How can I sex and ostrich chick at 1-4 months of age?

[zabi]

Hello fellow BYC,
I am a Veterinary student and want to know that is it possible to vent sex ostrich chicks? I am from a country which have no avian vets and also we don't have the genetic material to do a feather or blood sexing of the ostriches and I want to learn a few things from people who are well learned to teach me an easy method to find out the sex of ostrich chicks. Your response would be highly appreciated. TIA

 

[jonezjollyfarm]

Can we see it. I actually have a little experience with ostriches. There used to be a farm of them across the street from me. The males are enormous and mean as you know what.

 

[briefvisit]

Years ago, folks on this site used to talk about vent-sexing emus.

So, we understand that the family of ratites -- ostrich, cassowary, kiwi, emu, and rhea -- should all be anatomically similar, so you should be able to teach yourself to vent-sex from an on-line description.

I recall that it involves up-ending the chick, and applying gentle pressure to the rim of the vent. This, if the chick is male, makes the penis become visible.

And my bit of advice: think of the exercise in two parts. The second is the business of the actual vent-sexing. The first is the positioning/incapacitating of the chick. It must be safe from falling, and injuring itself; and it must be immobilised so you can readily perform the procedure.

Good luck!!


SE