I think I have a Roo

[siobhan118]

So we are very new to the whole world of chickens so excuse me if I'm sounding dumb here. I have 7 chicks that we have had since there were a day old. 4 are Brahmas and 3 are silkies. They are now 14 weeks old.
About 2 weeks ago we notice that our black silkie (Potato) was getting combs. More on her bottom than upper, but a little on the top of her beak. I thought then, uh oh I wonder if she is a he?
This morning when I let them out of their coop, I most definitely here a crowing coming from the run! I didn't see who did it but all bets are pointing to Potato.
We aren't supposed to have roosters but these chickens are pets and family friends to us so I would like to try and keep her/him. So here in lie my questions:
1. How loud do silkies crow? We aren't super close to my neighbors but we are close enough that it makes me nervous.
2. Besides the crowing what else should I expect from Roo behavior?
3. If I did have to rehome him would it upset the other chicks? They seem to be a really close bunch, sleeping and going every where together.
4. Is there anyway to prevent them from having little chicks (yup I know that's a dumb question!)

Thanks, I'll try and get a picture of our Potato tonight.

 

[DavidKerk]

1. Sorry can't help you here, I've never had a silkie. I did see a silkie roo once and it seemed to be a fairly aggressive crower, but that is only based on about 10 minutes of watching him.
2. They can be aggressive and will attack something that they feel is threatening their hens. Unless your rooster is not at all able to get out of his pen, he might be a danger if you have kids. I've even had blood drawn by my rooster. (don't let this scare you out of all roosters, much depends on individual personality. I've heard of some really nice roosters and some that leave scars.)
3. Once they reestablish the pecking order all will be back to normal. It will only take a day or two to redo the pecking order.
4. As long as you collect the eggs frequently (every day if possible) you shouldn't have any problems.
I hope my information helps!

 

[angel8035]

So we are very new to the whole world of chickens so excuse me if I'm sounding dumb here. I have 7 chicks that we have had since there were a day old. 4 are Brahmas and 3 are silkies. They are now 14 weeks old.
About 2 weeks ago we notice that our black silkie (Potato) was getting combs. More on her bottom than upper, but a little on the top of her beak. I thought then, uh oh I wonder if she is a he?
This morning when I let them out of their coop, I most definitely here a crowing coming from the run! I didn't see who did it but all bets are pointing to Potato.
We aren't supposed to have roosters but these chickens are pets and family friends to us so I would like to try and keep her/him. So here in lie my questions:
1. How loud do silkies crow? We aren't super close to my neighbors but we are close enough that it makes me nervous

Not sure about this one, but probably the same as any other chicken.
.
2. Besides the crowing what else should I expect from Roo behavior?

Depends on individual but I've heard that silkies tend to be more gentle. He will mate with the hens, call out warnings when birds fly overhead, help find food for the ladies, etc. I love keeping roosters. Sometimes they may get aggressive - but it depends on the individual roo. I had one that I loved that would sometimes try to get me but I just stood my ground and he would back off.

3. If I did have to rehome him would it upset the other chicks? They seem to be a really close bunch, sleeping and going every where together.

They probably wouldn't even notice, to be honest. He would be upset though and take a while to readjust to his new home and flockmates.

4. Is there anyway to prevent them from having little chicks (yup I know that's a dumb question!)

Don't let your hens sit on the eggs for 21 days straight and you'll be fine


Thanks, I'll try and get a picture of our Potato tonight.