Differences between boy and girl partridge silkie

[Ghoastie]

I have a two week old partridge silkie chick that I highly suspect is a cockerel. I’ve been told partridge silkies the easiest and earliest type of silkie to determine gender because the feathers are different in male and female partridge silkies. I can’t seem to find an example of the differences. Can anyone explain it to me? I’d like to know what I’m looking for as this chick ages. Unfortunately, if it is a male, we’ll have to replace it (city bylaws) and if I need to replace it, I’d like to do that as early as possible due to a toddler who is getting more attached daily.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You will have to wait until the darker male feathering comes in, as well as any red coloring over the shoulders. I think that happens after 3 months, so you have a ways to wait.

 

[drumstick diva]

Silkies are one of the most difficult breeds to sex early. Generally 4-5 mos. of age is the best time. Sometimes you don't know positively until they crow or lay eggs.

 

[Ghoastie]

You will have to wait until the darker male feathering comes in, as well as any red coloring over the shoulders. I think that happens after 3 months, so you have a ways to wait.

Do you know where I can find examples of this?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Google? The problem with partridge colored silkies is the color tends not to be consistent amongst individuals. Some are lighter, some are darker, some have more red.

 

[NNYchick]

How it was explained to me is it only works with homozygous partridge
The male’s testosterone interferes with the patterning genes so as he starts to mature he loses the penciling and gets a more splotchy pattern. Usually by about 3ish months you can be sure. Here is a picture of the wing difference.