Male or Female Egg

This seems to be a myth that makes the rounds every few years. The idea is to figure out how to tell what the sex of the bird will be before incubating. The issue is, the shape of the egg has nothing to do with it. In mammals and birds, the sex of the critter is determined at fertilization. No amount of changing the temp during incubation will change that. There is a study that suggest the shape can determine the sex but his conclusion was not enough eggs were used and more studying needs to be done. He also states it is costly to take the appropriate measurements and a hen will change the shape of the egg as she ages.

The appropriate answer is to assume you will get 50% boys and you should plan to eat them. The argument is that boys are unwanted but in truth, chickens are food, regardless of their appearance. I do get asked frequently when is a good time to dispatch them. The answer is: When you're ready. I say this because removing the unwanted as soon as you know, allows the keeper birds to have more room to grow. Less feed to buy. It doesn't matter what size they are, eat 2 if you want. We need to remember what they are for, give their life meaning. Even if you just feed the dogs, they had a purpose. Make stock. Make anything, but make SOMETHING. Don’t be a chicken.