Hi everyone! This is my first day on the site. I finally joined because I am in desperate need of some of your expertise.
I am the proud owner of a tiny group of 3 beautiful Silkies. I had begged my husband for them forever and he finally caved with the blessing of our neighbors since we aren't exactly supposed to have chickens in our area. Hence why I only have 3.
I had read and been told by many that Silkies are notoriously hard to sex. Right now my birds range in age from 6-8 months old. The dilemma is that now that they are getting to that telling age I am beginning to fear that 3 out of 3 are roosters. In an area where crowing is NOT a good idea. Just my luck.
I am certain that at least one of my birds is a rooster. He crowed right in my face as I opened the coop last week! The other two have me unsure. There has been a bit of sparring between the certain roo and one of the others - nothing major, but some feather ruffling and facing off, chasing, jumping and circling, etc. Nothing serious, but still weird and mildly aggressive . The third Silkie (my favorite) was purchased separately and therefore has always been more aloof. She (he?) keeps to herself a bit but I have seen a small amount of similar interaction with the certain roo, but not as often. My fear is that things will inevitably get worse within the flock and someone will end up hurt.
The only Silkie to have ever crowed is my certain roo, but I have read that this does not necessarily mean that the others are hens, right? I am suspicious that the lack of crowing from the other two is due to submission/pecking order stuff. My concern is that if I have Roos, they will have to go, but I can't have less than three birds for the good of my already too tiny flock. This means that if anyone has to leave they need to be replaced right away so everyone has a cuddle buddy this winter. (That is proving to be a whole 'nother problem- finding pullets this time of year, especially Silkies or other compatable breeds in the area!)
Anyway, can anyone weigh in on whether it sounds like I have 3 Roos? I am so new to the chicken world and seriously love these "girls" but the crowing is not cool, given my situation. I know you don't get Silkies if you are after eggs, but I was hoping for at least a few here and there. I have a three year old daughter who is out there checking for them daily!
Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for the help!
I am the proud owner of a tiny group of 3 beautiful Silkies. I had begged my husband for them forever and he finally caved with the blessing of our neighbors since we aren't exactly supposed to have chickens in our area. Hence why I only have 3.
I had read and been told by many that Silkies are notoriously hard to sex. Right now my birds range in age from 6-8 months old. The dilemma is that now that they are getting to that telling age I am beginning to fear that 3 out of 3 are roosters. In an area where crowing is NOT a good idea. Just my luck.
I am certain that at least one of my birds is a rooster. He crowed right in my face as I opened the coop last week! The other two have me unsure. There has been a bit of sparring between the certain roo and one of the others - nothing major, but some feather ruffling and facing off, chasing, jumping and circling, etc. Nothing serious, but still weird and mildly aggressive . The third Silkie (my favorite) was purchased separately and therefore has always been more aloof. She (he?) keeps to herself a bit but I have seen a small amount of similar interaction with the certain roo, but not as often. My fear is that things will inevitably get worse within the flock and someone will end up hurt.
The only Silkie to have ever crowed is my certain roo, but I have read that this does not necessarily mean that the others are hens, right? I am suspicious that the lack of crowing from the other two is due to submission/pecking order stuff. My concern is that if I have Roos, they will have to go, but I can't have less than three birds for the good of my already too tiny flock. This means that if anyone has to leave they need to be replaced right away so everyone has a cuddle buddy this winter. (That is proving to be a whole 'nother problem- finding pullets this time of year, especially Silkies or other compatable breeds in the area!)
Anyway, can anyone weigh in on whether it sounds like I have 3 Roos? I am so new to the chicken world and seriously love these "girls" but the crowing is not cool, given my situation. I know you don't get Silkies if you are after eggs, but I was hoping for at least a few here and there. I have a three year old daughter who is out there checking for them daily!
Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for the help!
