Buying straight-run silkies?

[yellowish_chickenfeet]

Hey everyone,
We will be getting our chicks soon and are planning on buying silkies from a nearby breeder. The chicks are straight-run, but they allow you to return any cockerels. How many chicks should we buy to make sure that we get at least two pullets? They are 11 dollars each, so I'm looking for a minimal number, but we also want to make sure that we have enough to avoid bullying. If we end up spending a lot, we may sell the males instead of just returning them.

Thank you!

 

[AlleysChicks]

I’d go for 6. That way even if you had a spare pullet you can choose which you like best.

Also silkies are tricky to sex, it may take you 5-6 months to know gender.

 

[yellowish_chickenfeet]

I’d go for 6. That way even if you had a spare pullet you can choose which you like best.

Also silkies are tricky to sex, it may take you 5-6 months to know gender.

Thank you! I had originally thought we'd only need 4, but I wanted to ask after I got a little nervous thinking about the stats there.

 

[Blooie]

Nothing is certain. I hatched out 9 Silkie eggs. I got 9 roosters. <sigh> Odds of that are astronomical - you are so lucky to find a breeder who will take back the fellas. But I’m sure you’ll get your ladies!