3 Silkies - 5 Mths - Anybody have any ideas on sex?

[GwenT]

They seem like females because my males have bigger black on the nose. Like u would know because it’s pretty big. Usually males mature around 6 months

 

[Table4Six]

They seem like females because my males have bigger black on the nose. Like u would know because it’s pretty big. Usually males mature around 6 months

Female silkies do not develop streamers as seen on these birds.

 

[Tacampbell1973]

Here's the funny thing about Silkies. The young men of the breed tend to not be as crowy as you would expect. Even less so if there are more than one. I'm still fairly new to Silkies as well but have studied as much as I can find on them.im afraid I have no advice on the genders of your babies but time will tell, maybe. I have had several surprises in my chickening endeavors. First was my two month old (then) Polish pullet. She was raised by my GL Cochin hen and when time came to separate from mama Mahalo, baby Scamper said I don't think so. So Scamper and Mahalo roamed the yard side by side, until a month later when Mahalo again took to nest. Surprisingly Scamper would curl up on Mom's back. When the time came to wean the babies Scamper got the Boot too. Sound's like a baby pullet learning about mothering from here momma. Think again. Acouple of weeks later Im outside doing some yard work when Scamper opens it's mouth and let's out the most horrific nails on a chalkboard crow I ever heard in my life!.Also I have had at least 3 mama hens with babies underneath them let out a noise that could only be a crow! Nothing in chickens is cut and dried

 

[NNYchick]

Thanks. If I had to pick a favourite, it'd be 1 all day. It's an absolute beauty to handle. Not sure I could ever part with it! I'm hopeful you're right in sitting on the fence with 1.

For me 90% of my boys like to be handled from day one. My girls on the other hand are very stand offish and loudly protest till they start laying then they become more interested in being handled. But this is just a behavior trait I have noticed being around mine. I know some Silkie master breeders that have decades of experience with Silkies that will tell you it’s an educated guess till the crow or lay an egg.

 

[Ladybird CA]

At first I thought 1 was a roo and 2 and 3 were hens then I saw steamers on 2 and 3 and rooster tails on all 3. If you are really attached to #1 and want to spend the money and take the risk (some die) you can get it decrowed

 

[jon85]

They seem like females because my males have bigger black on the nose. Like u would know because it’s pretty big. Usually males mature around 6 months

Thanks Gwen, posting here has confused me even more

They seem like females because my males have bigger black on the nose. Like u would know because it’s pretty big. Usually males mature around 6 months

I hope you're right Gwen! Fingers crossed. I'm Going to have to come back in a month or so with an update

 

[jon85]

Female silkies do not develop streamers as seen on these birds.

I've read about these and seen photos but it's so hard to see in the flesh. I find these are far more prominent in photos for some reason, but I definitely see what you're referring to on one of the birds. This sexing lark is confusing

 

[jon85]

At first I thought 1 was a roo and 2 and 3 were hens then I saw steamers on 2 and 3 and rooster tails on all 3. If you are really attached to #1 and want to spend the money and take the risk (some die) you can get it decrowed

I think I'd feel best rehoming if he's a chap Thanks though. Had no idea this could be done with chickens

 

[jon85]

H

Here's the funny thing about Silkies. The young men of the breed tend to not be as crowy as you would expect. Even less so if there are more than one. I'm still fairly new to Silkies as well but have studied as much as I can find on them.im afraid I have no advice on the genders of your babies but time will tell, maybe. I have had several surprises in my chickening endeavors. First was my two month old (then) Polish pullet. She was raised by my GL Cochin hen and when time came to separate from mama Mahalo, baby Scamper said I don't think so. So Scamper and Mahalo roamed the yard side by side, until a month later when Mahalo again took to nest. Surprisingly Scamper would curl up on Mom's back. When the time came to wean the babies Scamper got the Boot too. Sound's like a baby pullet learning about mothering from here momma. Think again. Acouple of weeks later Im outside doing some yard work when Scamper opens it's mouth and let's out the most horrific nails on a chalkboard crow I ever heard in my life!.Also I have had at least 3 mama hens with babies underneath them let out a noise that could only be a crow! Nothing in chickens is cut and dried

LOL! Definitely just going to have to suck it and see. So many opinions. I'm more confused than I was when I started. There are so many variables to take into account and each chick differs so much. I thought a crow would confirm all... Apparently not. I'll hold out for an egg, but I suspect the neighbours may not let me get that far, especially if I have hens that crow too.

 

[jon85]

For me 90% of my boys like to be handled from day one. My girls on the other hand are very stand offish and loudly protest till they start laying then they become more interested in being handled. But this is just a behavior trait I have noticed being around mine. I know some Silkie master breeders that have decades of experience with Silkies that will tell you it’s an educated guess till the crow or lay an egg.

This is interesting. Thank you. I guess the breeders have it spot on... I'll be waiting this one out. If nothing else, posting has confirmed that I'm not missing anything obvious and I thought I may have been. It's been a useful exercise.