Help with sexing silkies?

[irisshiller]

Hi! I just bought 3 young silkies. I was told they were 4 months old and a rooster with 2 hens. They were living in the tinest wire cage and seem to be bemused by all the space they have now They are very shy and gentle, I love them! I just can't see which is the male and which the females. Anyone have an idea? Pics:

I'm pretty sure the darker, smaller one in the back is a hen, but the other 2 I'm not sure about. There is no crowing or roosterish behaviour yet.

Also can anyone confirm that these 3 mutts are hens? They are also about 4 months old. My husband was worried about some roosterish behaviour from one of them, but I can't see any difference between them. Really need them to be hens, my young rooster has started mating the ducks :/

Thanks!!

 

[irisshiller]

Close up, if it helps

 

[PerfectPlumage]

The larger, darker silkie I think is the roo. It seems to have a bigger crest and a longer tail. But I could be completely wrong, so don't trust my judgement to much.

 

[irisshiller]

Thank you! That gives me something to look for - bigger crest, longer tail! Its very hard to see with these!

 

[PerfectPlumage]

Your welcome!

 

[drumstick diva]

In the last photo I think the first two are cockerels and the third is a pullet. It is hard to see them. I can't tell is something is the comb or part of their feathers. The first one seems to have enormous, white comb, the middle one has the swept back crest like a male, the last one looks to have a narrow come so I'm guessing female.

 

[irisshiller]

2 roos you say? Oh dear. If it turns out that's true, I'm going to have to return one. I have too many roos as it is. I wasnt going to get any roos at all, only hens, but then they had these cute fluffy silkies...

 

[Bryam]

Wow,, I am surprised the farmer will take them back. Biosecurity and all. Yes, you have 2 roosters and a hen.

 

[irisshiller]

Oh I don't know if he will! I might have to find another home, then. I was kind of doubtful - he kept hanging them upside dow and saying, see if it does *this* its a hen... dont know what that was all about" I didnt see any difference between them but I'm not used to silkies, so I assumed he knew what he was talking about. Obviously not! On second thought I won't take anything back there - it was quite a horrible place. The mutts were allowed to free range, but the special breeds were closed in tiny stacked up cages. And they are do adorable! I will simply have to... get some more hens! Again"