Poultry sexer

Poultry sexers are specialists working in poultry farms determining the sex of the animals to separate the male from the female birds. 

Poultry sexers use two primary techniques for identifying chicks. Feather sexing is a technique that can only be done on boiler chickens. These chicks have a genetic change that makes the feathers on females grow faster; chicken sexers check to see which chicks are male and female based on the length of their wing feathers.

The second, more reliable technique called vent sexing was invented in Japan in the 1930’s. This method involves holding the chick in a very specific way and gently squeezing the poop out of the chick so the sexer can see the intestines. From this view, the chicken’s reproductive organs can be seen which identifies the sex. This method must be done very carefully and gently to avoid hurting the chicks. On large factory farms, the chicks are then separated onto different conveyor belts.

Poultry sexers will generally work as least 40 hours per week, but may need to work paid overtime during busy periods.

Most sexing takes place in the early morning. There are also opportunities for part-time and casual work.

Most Sexers would work inside where young birds are hatched and cared for in warm, monitored conditions.

The following job titles also refer to poultry sexer:

chicken sexer
chick sexer
sexer
turkey sexer
poultry gender tester
poultry sexers
poultry sex identification specialist

No formal educational credential is generally required to work as a poultry sexer. Employers usually provide on-the-job training.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Poultry sexer is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to poultry sexer.

farm milk controller
pig breeder
bee breeder
horse breeder
fur animals breeder

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of poultry sexer. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of poultry sexer with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

animal hydrotherapist
animal massage therapist
taxidermist
equine dental technician
alternative animal therapist

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of poultry sexer.

• Animal welfare legislation: The legal boundaries, codes of professional conduct, national and EU regulatory frameworks and legal procedures of working with animals and living organisms, ensuring their welfare and health.
• Livestock selection principles: Selection criteria of livestock and determination of livestock classes.
• Biosecurity: Be aware of the general principles of the concept of bio-security and in particular, the disease prevention rules to be implemented in case of epidemics endangering public health.

These skills are necessary for the role of poultry sexer.

• Determine the sex of the animal: Use sex-determining genes and sex chromosomes to identify the gender of an animal. Use different methods based on the type of animal.
• Safely interact with animals: Ensure a safe and humane interaction with the animal avoiding factors that will negatively affect their behaviours. This includes the use of humane training aids/equipment, as well as explaining their use to owners/keepers, to ensure they are used appropriately and the welfare of the animal is protected.
• Catch poultry: Catching the poultry for examination, handling or movement.
• Manage animal hygiene: Plan and use appropriate hygiene measures to prevent transmission of diseases and ensure an effective overall hygiene. Maintain and follow hygiene procedures and regulations when working with animals, communicate site hygiene controls and protocols to others. Manage the safe disposal of waste according to destination and local regulations.
• Select livestock: Tag, sort and separate animals by purpose and destination taking into account the condition of the animal and relevant legislation

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of poultry sexer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Livestock reproduction: Understand natural and artificial reproduction techniques, gestation periods and birthing for livestock. Understand the humane destruction of relevant animals in accordance with national legislation.
• Quality criteria for livestock feed production: Quality assurance approaches, procedures and systems to allow for analysis of feeds and feed ingredients and determine their nutritional value. Evaluation of the functioning of a feed analysis laboratory and of its compliance to international standards.
• Animal nutrition: Aspects of how different animal species are fed and provided water. Different types of animal food, the quality criteria for animal food and methods to feed and give water to animals.
• Livestock farming systems: The allocation of farming resources in relation to livestock farming and husbandry systems.
• Livestock feeding: Food given to domestic animals in the course of animal husbandry. 
• Livestock species: Livestock species and relevant genetics.
• Animal species: The characteristics of different species and breeds of animals (relevant to the occupation).

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of poultry sexer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Control livestock disease: Control the spread of disease and parasites in herds, by using vaccination and medication, and by separating sick animals.
• Feed livestock: Calculate feed rations for all stages of growth and prepare, distribute and control quality of fodder
• Monitor livestock: Monitor and record the production and the welfare of the livestock.
• Manage the health and welfare of livestock: Assess the current health status of your livestock. Manage any existing disease or disorder, including the requirements for isolation of livestock. Plan and manage a livestock health and welfare plan including clearly defined targets, consulting with specialists/advisers where appropriate. Work closely with the veterinary surgeon and other specialist consultants/advisers.

6122 – Poultry producers

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References

1. Poultry sexer – ESCO
2. Agricultural Workers : Occupational Outlook Handbook – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
3. Sexer for Poultry | Lantra – Scotland
4. What does a chicken sexer do? – CareerExplorer
5. Featured image: By 竹之内 惇 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0