I have a flock of 3 roosters and 29 hens, or so I thought. I went out this morning to let everyone from the coop into the run and I hear this silly noise coming from Peony, my little blue silkie. I have three silkies in my flock of standard size breeds because I'd heard they make good mothers. I've had these silkies since they were hatched in July. After observing Peony for a few minutes I quickly realize she is crowing!!... my little silkie is actually a male. I was shocked that for this long he has hid his identity. I have three other roosters in my flock (a Faverolles, Lakenvelder and Andalusian) and they started crowing and acting like males at such a younger age. I dont know, but maybe Silkies are just slower to mature. His crow isn't the best but I have no doubt that that is what he was doing and also chasing some of the hens around. I'd never seen Peony do this; it's just like overnight he decided to come out of hiding. By the reaction of the other chickens and the way they were looking at him, I think they were just as surprised as me. Now my dilemma... I have no need or desire for a silkie roo added to the flock so I'll be rehoming him. If anyone is around central Ohio and interested, just let me know. I'm sure I'll be able to find him a home using craigslist or something also. I'm still in shock; is it typical for a silkie to wait this long before showing its true identity?
