I'm NOT a chicken... but my chicks think I am

[Aunt Angus]

So here's the latest. If Picotee is a boy (and I'm fairly certain at this point he is) and Dandelion is a boy (he's got much thicker legs and beak than Violet), Hubby decided we ought to try to keep both and see how it goes. He likes them, and he thinks they should stay especially since they think I'm their mama.

Surprised the heck out of me. And now I am greatly relieved! I think I was more worried about his reaction than I was the thought of having two roos. Now I know it's not ideal to have two roos in a small flock, but these two are being raised together, so they *may* be able to get along, according to what I've read, because they will have already established a pecking order. So I'm cautiously optimistic.

In the meantime, here are pics of the 4 week old Silkies (Dandelion = splash, Violet = black). Hard to get pics with two wiggly chicks, a lousy phone, and one hand.

Leg size comparison. Really bad pic, but Dandelion's legs feel thicker:

Beaks/combs:

I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'm thinking Dandelion is a cockerel and Violet is a pullet.

 

[Sagey_7878]

So here's the latest. If Picotee is a boy (and I'm fairly certain at this point he is) and Dandelion is a boy (he's got much thicker legs and beak than Violet), Hubby decided we ought to try to keep both and see how it goes. He likes them, and he thinks they should stay especially since they think I'm their mama.

Surprised the heck out of me. And now I am greatly relieved! I think I was more worried about his reaction than I was the thought of having two roos. Now I know it's not ideal to have two roos in a small flock, but these two are being raised together, so they *may* be able to get along, according to what I've read, because they will have already established a pecking order. So I'm cautiously optimistic.

In the meantime, here are pics of the 4 week old Silkies (Dandelion = splash, Violet = black). Hard to get pics with two wiggly chicks, a lousy phone, and one hand.

View attachment 1839462

Leg size comparison. Really bad pic, but Dandelion's legs feel thicker:
View attachment 1839465

Beaks/combs:
View attachment 1839466
View attachment 1839467

I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'm thinking Dandelion is a cockerel and Violet is a pullet.

I also think Dandelion is a cockerel and Violet is a pullet due to the massive difference between their combs (Dandelions is really big) and so are his legs. So you have 2 boys and a girl? How many chicks in total do you have? Are these the only chickens you have?

 

[Aunt Angus]

Personality differences contribute to that hypothesis. Violet is seriously chill. Very easy going, quiet. Super duper cuddly. Dandelion is more active and bold. He/She is cuddly, too, but more "in your face."

 

[Aunt Angus]

I also think Dandelion is a cockerel and Violet is a pullet due to the massive difference between their combs (Dandelions is really big) and so are his legs. So you have 2 boys and a girl? How many chicks in total do you have? Are these the only chickens you have?

I have 5 other pullets. 4 are 11 months and one is 3 months.

 

[Sagey_7878]

I have 5 other pullets. 4 are 11 months and one is 3 months.

Okay that’s good, you wouldn’t want the hens being overbred by the boys! I do suggest though getting more girls as 2 roosters on 7 girls is quite a lot.

 

[Aunt Angus]

If it proves a problematic ratio, I can probably add a couple more pullets at some point down the road. I will need a bigger coop, though.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Total noob question: how much difficulty will a Silkie roo and a Sebright roo give standard hens? I have a BO, a BPR, a BB a Cochin, and a Welsummer. And a Silkie (Violet).

 

[Sagey_7878]

Total noob question: how much difficulty will a Silkie roo and a Sebright roo give standard hens? I have a BO, a BPR, a BB a Cochin, and a Welsummer.

It’s not a noob question!
I don’t think they would give your standard hens much trouble at all as they’re quite small breeds, although they will still harass the hens and try breed with them, they may have some trouble though! Overall, not a lot of trouble but will still do what normal roosters do.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Thanks for all your help! I really, really appreciate it.

One more question: Will they wear out poor Violet, being the only bantam pullet?

 

[Sagey_7878]

Thanks for all your help! I really, really appreciate it.

One more question: Will they wear out poor Violet, being the only bantam pullet?

No worries, any time! That’s a good idea, and unfortunately I think they might... The boys will be able to get hold of her easier seeing that they’re all smaller in size, hopefully they don’t target her. But it’s unlikely both boys will pick her as their favourites so she should be OK. If they’re wearing her out, I suggest buying her a saddle so she’s okay!