Is Silkie a roo or pullet?

[Chickenmumma7]

Hello everyone,

Just looking for some feedback regarding my 14 week silkie Blossom. We were very hopeful but its head feathers are starting to look like a roo.
Behavior is certainly tough. She always meets the other hens eye to eye and never backs down, and also bites my finger when I grab her
I've attached some photos. What do you guys say?

Have a blessed weekend!

 

[Debbie292d]

I would say that's a cockerel. The broad comb (walnut) and hackles (neck feathers) are coming in.

So cute and should be gorgeous when he's grown!

 

[Chickenmumma7]

I would say that's a cockerel. The broad comb (walnut) and hackles (neck feathers) are coming in.

So cute and should be gorgeous when he's grown!

Thank you Debbie. He sure is cute but i just don't know if we can keep him. Do they make good protectors even though they are small? Is there a way to avoid fertilization or still utilize the eggs? And do they usually roost with the hens when theyre grown? Our Blossom has not roosted even though it's only 1 foot off the ground in the chick coop. The adult coop we'll be moving them to has roosts on the second floor and if she sleeps on the shelf she will be popped on. Your advise is much appreciated. I'm a rookie here

 

[Debbie292d]

Thank you Debbie. He sure is cute but i just don't know if we can keep him. Do they make good protectors even though they are small? Is there a way to avoid fertilization or still utilize the eggs? And do they usually roost with the hens when theyre grown? Our Blossom has not roosted even though it's only 1 foot off the ground in the chick coop. The adult coop we'll be moving them to has roosts on the second floor and if she sleeps on the shelf she will be popped on. Your advise is much appreciated. I'm a rookie here

No chicken can protect from a wild animal, but they do what roosters do and warn the flock so the flock can get to the coop or take cover. Yes, they'd fight if they had to as well.

They take their time getting used to sleeping on a roost. Some feel better on solid ground until they are older. Mine don't even have roosts as they sleep on top of the nest boxes.

 

[fluffycrow]

Is there a way to avoid fertilization or still utilize the eggs?

You can eat fertilized eggs.

Everything else Debbie covered with more silkie experience than I will ever have

 

[Chickenmumma7]

You can eat fertilized eggs.

Everything else Debbie covered with more silkie experience than I will ever have

Thanks! I've read suggestions to collect the eggs as often as possible to avoid development. I live in texas so summers are hot. Some are saying that taking them from heat into cooler temps can cause spoiling? Should I refrigerate and will that affect flavor?

 

[fluffycrow]

Thanks! I've read suggestions to collect the eggs as often as possible to avoid development. I live in texas so summers are hot. Some are saying that taking them from heat into cooler temps can cause spoiling? Should I refrigerate and will that affect flavor?

I live in Greece, and the summer temps are relatively similar. I try to do egg collection once a day, maybe twice if it's too hot. That's to say, I don't do anything too major in the summer compared to the cold months. Haven't noticed any development in the eggs to be honest.

I'm not sure about your second question. I take them from a 40°C environment and place them in a 25°C indoor environment. Haven't really noticed any eggs spoiling, but don't have any knowledge as to why that is or why it's not.

I refrigerate the eggs I'm not planning on hatching (which sometimes never leave the coops to begin with). Haven't noticed any difference in flavour, nor has anyone I have given eggs to