Getting chicks in 1 week- How long till I will know what the sex is?

[NewChickHere]

Hi. I have 27 little chicks coming from MMH in one week. We are super excited as this is our first time ever having chickens, and even holding them.

I know, shocker huh? After reading this forum so much I feel like I am the only one in the world without chickens. haha. Not for long though.

Well, I ordered all females but my son REALLY wanted a couple of Silkies and so did I too, SO CUTE! But they can't be sexed I guess.

I also am getting the free mystery chick from them also so that is 3 chicks that I won't know till when if they are boy or girl?

If I get 3 boys, will I have to get rid of 1 or 2? I can't imagine getting all connected and in love with them and then find out I have to get rid of one. Can you tell me about how long for the Silkie till I could tell possibly? And I guess since it will be me looking, it would probably be months huh?

Kim

 

[NewChickHere]

Sorry, I should've proof read my post about because I knew I'd have a lot of typos since I was typing with hubby and son both talking at me the whole time.

lol.

 

[ChickenPrnces]

Unfortunately from what I have been told it will be around 6 months for the silkies! Basically it is a "hey, she layed an egg" or a "hey, he just crowed" type of thing with them! I just hatched 8 myself and have the same problem! Downer!

 

[foxypoproxy]

If your only concern about rooster is them fighting (and not crowing) i wouldn't be concerned.
Silkies are very laid back and i have seen many male silkies get along.
Like said before, silkies can not be sexed till about 6 months or more.

Female silkies are normally smaller, have a perfectly round pom pom, and rarly have combs or wattles.
Males are normally bigger, have bigger thighs, have streamers (which is when their pom pom/tail is spikey), and normally have combs and wattles.

I have heard that hatchery quality silkies are harder to sex because they are a lower quality so some females may have a comb ect.

Lots of people just wait till they crow of lay an egg

 

[NewChickHere]

Oh wow! 6 months........

. That is kind of a long time huh?

My son loves the movie Tangled and wants to name HIS Black Silkie 'Rapunzel' because he thinks she is really pretty in the movie. Awww.

lol. So, if Rapunzel turns out to be Flynn Rider ( you need to see the movie

) than he will not be too happy. He was diagnosed with Autism and so it might not be that easy to just change the name as it might be for others. He is a HUGE animal lover so I am sure we will get through it.

As for the crowing, I am not sure if I am worried about it yet or not. haha. I am brand new to this so I don't know if the crowing will be loud enough to wake me in the middle of the night or not. I'm hoping not. It is located pretty far from the house, I think, so hoping that will help.

I am glad to hear that if both end up being boys that I could probably keep them both with no issues. As for the mystery chick, well, if he is a roo too, which I am figuring he will be since he can be sexed and he's free......then he will probably be given to my farmer friend.

Thank you Chicken Princess and Foxy for your replies. Have a great evening. Kim

 

[MadabtChickens]

I'll be getting my first chickens in a few weeks and am having the same problem as you. Silkies are my favorite breed, but I DO NOT want roos. I'm thinking about finding somebody local that has Silkies and then just buying a few pullets from them so I'll know I'm not going to get stuck with roos.