I would like more information about silkies.

[Cynthia 085]

Hello
I am new to this whole chicken hobby

I think this little one is a female, but I am not sure. It has "motherly instincts", but I can't assume the sex just because of how it acts or can I? This little one opens up it's legs and then just sits on the other little chicks; like a hen would.

I live in the city and can't have roos unfortunately so sexing is important. I think this little one is a gray and not a blue silkie as it has patches of dark black and light gray colors mixed.
Here is a picture.


Also how old does this chick look? How do I introduce it to the flock? At what age?


Thanks in advance.

 

[Wyandottes7]

Its too young to accurately tell gender. Behavior is usually not a good indicator-- even cocks can be "motherly" and try to protect other birds. I am leaning towards cockerel, though, based off of the tall stance and small, pointy crest. However, the comb is small and narrow, which could indicate a pullet. It may be easier to tell gender in a couple more weeks.

I'm not sure how old she is. But, I am guessing that she/he is around 7-8 weeks old. What other birds are you introducing "it" into? If you're putting her with large fowl chickens, I'd wait until she's at least 14-16 weeks old, as if she's too small, she'll get picked on more by the others. If you introduce her into a bantam flock, you could do it a little sooner.

 

[Cynthia 085]

Thanks.
It would really suck if it was a roo That means I can't keep it.
Ok I will re-post an up date in a couple of weeks so you can see it again.
Man I hope it is a she.

Anyways thanks for all of your help. I am introducing this chick to big chickens like Orpington and Red Reproduction ect
Thanks again for all of your help!
Cynthia

 

[Cynthia 085]

Hi here is an updated photo of the little gray silkie