I think any Silkie cockerel is darn cute, just plain adorable, but hatchery quality ones are UGLY. Their "silkied" feathering looks more like wet, disgusting, ratty feathers, their combs are huge and red, their crests are tiny, . . . I don't like most hatchery quality birds, but Silkies. . . Hatcheries did a fine job of turning an adorably fluffy chicken into something downright ugly.
Otherwise, I love good quality ones. Very beautiful birds.
I have a silkie rooster and he is a Doll, never had a bit of trouble with him and he is at least 3 yrs old now, sometimes bosses the other roos around alittle but thats ok cause he was there first
I've just ordered some hatchery silkies. Since mine are pets, not being bred to "proper whatever" is okay with me. But I personally wouldn't use them for breeding if you're wanting to sell eggs or chicks, 'cause then I'd think you'd want all the "proper" toe spacing, feathering, crests, etc. I've only heard good things about silkie temperaments
As teach97 suggested, I've heard they will take over your mind and heart...lol...not sure about the world
I got my silkies from McMurray Hatchery, and they were all gentle, and sweet. I had one rooster out of five, and he was the nicest thing.
The hens were also well-tempered, and were all good layers (for their breed) and very broody.
My Silkies are wonderful roos, I have 3 right now Clyde, Cletus and Clem.. They have been handle by everyone since day one and everyday when feeding I take a minute to chat and pet them.. they are used to it and don't run.. During flip flop season you have to watch your toes when you change toenail polish - they see it and may try peck
I've got a male silkie roo, and he's well, blackish in color. (Not really jet black, but now blue, not grey....I guess a sooty black) He is a sweetie. And I've got a white female and she's a dollbaby. They are young, I believe the little pullet should lay an egg sometime soon.
I did have some hatchery silkies from the Meyer Hatchery, and they were just darling, but they weren't friendly at all. Very scared everytime I was near, and they just never warmed up to me like all my other chicks I've raised. I gave those to an aquaintance.
I do think that their temperaments depend on breeding, and Stormy and Snowy, the ones I have now are just terrific! They came from a breeder. A friend of mine had ordered eggs from this lady, and she put some silkie eggs in there for free. My friend hatched them and didn't want the silkies, so I bought them from her. I am sooo glad I have them. I just love them.
Good luck with your silkies! I think you'll like them.