Breed of this bantam rooster? And gender of this silkie?

[kinkachy000]

Hello!
I have been making wayyyy too many of these posts with wayyy to many turning out to be roosters. But I found out I have another rooster on my hands and one more possible! Anyone want some roosters?! I'm in over my head with roosters!

Both of them are 13-ish weeks by the way.

The first one I know for sure is a rooster. He isn't crowing, but he sure is fighting/sparing all the other roosters (not very good either, he's just about lost his tail). But I have no clue the breed! He is a bantam and that's all I know. Any guesses on his breed?

My other question is about my silkie. I have not seen any signs of it being a rooster; no crowing, no sparing, and staying right with all the other hens. But it has some wattles which are making me nervous (I've never been lucky with silkies). I know they are hard to sex, but I'm hoping you'll be able to tell. What do you think?

 

[JedJackson]

The first one looks like a crossbred cockerel to me, maybe Plymouth rock mix or possibly a silver penciled Plymouth rock.

I think the silkie is a cockerel too.

 

[kinkachy000]

The first one looks like a crossbred cockerel to me, maybe Plymouth rock mix or possibly a silver penciled Plymouth rock.

I think the silkie is a cockerel too.

I did get a silver penciled Plymouth Rock bantam from the same supply store, so a mix of one would make sense!

Also may I ask why you think the silkie is a cockerel? Just the wattles, or are there other signs? Thanks!

 

[Seaecho]

The Silkie has the stance of a cockerel, what looks to be a good amount of comb, from what I can tell from the pics, and the wattles are, as you said, pretty prominent. His crest also looks like he's beginning to get the tell-tale streamers of a male.

 

[JedJackson]

I did get a silver penciled Plymouth Rock bantam from the same supply store, so a mix of one would make sense!

Also may I ask why you think the silkie is a cockerel? Just the wattles, or are there other signs? Thanks!

I should have asked the silkie's age. I think unless it's full grown and either laying or at point of lay, then it has to be a cockerel with comb & wattles that developed. And yes, as stated by Seaecho, the crest and solid tail feathers look more male to me, like the beginnings of streamers only males have. But if it is 16+ weeks of age then I could see it maybe being a pullet. Otherwise, cockerel for sure.

 

[kinkachy000]

The Silkie has the stance of a cockerel, what looks to be a good amount of comb, from what I can tell from the pics, and the wattles are, as you said, pretty prominent. His crest also looks like he's beginning to get the tell-tale streamers of a male.

I was worrying about the streamers, if that's what those are. The thing I'm caught up on is that it acts just like a hen! All my other same-aged roosters are crowing and fighting but this one does none of that - so I'm at a loss. I appreciate all this information and guess though.

 

[kinkachy000]

I should have asked the silkie's age. I think unless it's full grown and either laying or at point of lay, then it has to be a cockerel with comb & wattles that developed. And yes, as stated by Seaecho, the crest and solid tail feathers look more male to me, like the beginnings of streamers only males have. But if it is 16+ weeks of age then I could see it maybe being a pullet. Otherwise, cockerel for sure.

It is approximately 14 to 15 weeks old.

I tried to take better pictures of its head, but it doesn't like being handled really. So, I can't tell if it's developing streamers or not it's actions point to a hen, but it has wattles like a male...ugh! I wish they were easier to sex! I think I will have to wait a little longer to either see an egg pop out or hear it crow! Thanks for the information!

 

[drumstick diva]

Your silkie is beardless - which is why you can see the wattles - beardless silkies of both genders will show them. I don't think the comb looks large for this age and quality males don't seem to have streamers in the crests, unless someone is cutting them off.

I mention cutting crest feathers because big crests obscure their vision and some folks do cut them.

Where did you get this silkie? Looks much too good to be a hatchery silkie. I think you should wait longer.

 

[drumstick diva]

Do I spy a silver laced sebright tail in your 2 nd. photo?

 

[kinkachy000]

Your silkie is beardless - which is why you can see the wattles - beardless silkies of both genders will show them. I don't think the comb looks large for this age and quality males don't seem to have streamers in the crests, unless someone is cutting them off.

I mention cutting crest feathers because big crests obscure their vision and some folks do cut them.

Where did you get this silkie? Looks much too good to be a hatchery silkie. I think you should wait longer.

Thank you for this information. I didn't realize there were a bearded/beardless type - the more you know! I definitely haven't cut any feathers or crests, it is all natural.

I got this silkie through my local feed store who actually ordered them from a hatchery. I believe it was the Dunlap Hatchery in Idaho. It sure is a beaute.

I'm definitely going to have to wait longer I think. Either it pops out an egg in front of me, or I see it crow with my own eyes, will I actually know.