Just for fun! 7 week old Silkie with poll

[Bellsferrycottage]

I know it’s too early to tell but I thought it would be a little fun to do a poll with updates

Here’s my 7 week old silkie. Started out very skittish but is now coming around. Now one of the first ones to come around when I have treats in my hand.

Traits that make me suspicious it might be a roo. Fluffy feathery feet, chest bumps my 6 week old OE roo although the pullets do it too. Seems to be the one who squabbles the most with the OE though.

Pullet traits- kind of skittish, holds body more horizontally, very rotund although I know all silkies tend to appear that way

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Here’s my 7 week old silkie.

That's a cockerel.. but your poll is missing.

Looks like he might be blue (not black unless his pajama pants come in darker).

Hope you're enjoying BYC!

 

[Bellsferrycottage]

That's a cockerel.. but your poll is missing.

Looks like he might be blue (not black unless his pajama pants come in darker).

Hope you're enjoying BYC!

It’s Blue. Ouch. I sure cannot keep two.

 

[Battlepants]

That's a cockerel

If you don't mind me asking - how can you tell? Silkies have been a bit of a mystery to me and this is one area I would like to gain some knowledge.

 

[MysteryChicken]

100%, a Cockerel

 

[Rhodebar Lover]

I agree that he is a cockerel!

 

[Bellsferrycottage]

Can anyone explain what the tell tale signs are? I luckily found a home for my OE roo so he will be staying with me.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

If you don't mind me asking - how can you tell? Silkies have been a bit of a mystery to me and this is one area I would like to gain some knowledge.

Description of behavior is one clue but in this case it's the size of the comb at the stated age for the breed in question. I'm an enthusiast but no expert.

Bearding gene inhibits wattle size and the dark Silkie skin will diminish reddening. In other chicks red wattles (not caused by flushing) MAY be the very first telling sign. Comb size and color depending on age and breed are second. Pointy saddle feathers start to show around 12 weeks in *most* breeds (not Silkies or hen feathered breeds like Seabright). Some varieties boys will start to feather into mature coloration by 6 weeks.. (example is wheaten variety (and Faverolles), red leakage on wing bars or other locations, or green sheen on black plumage this young).

I don't generally recommend it and flock (and individual) dynamics always matter.. BUT roosters (even cockerels) can live together just fine.. even be friends and work together to protect the ladies without over mating.. for informational purposes.

 

[Fluffy Lambs]

I know it’s too early to tell but I thought it would be a little fun to do a poll with updates

Here’s my 7 week old silkie. Started out very skittish but is now coming around. Now one of the first ones to come around when I have treats in my hand.

Traits that make me suspicious it might be a roo. Fluffy feathery feet, chest bumps my 6 week old OE roo although the pullets do it too. Seems to be the one who squabbles the most with the OE though.

Pullet traits- kind of skittish, holds body more horizontally, very rotund although I know all silkies tend to appear that way

Blue cockerel

 

[Fluffy Lambs]

If you don't mind me asking - how can you tell? Silkies have been a bit of a mystery to me and this is one area I would like to gain some knowledge.

Can anyone explain what the tell tale signs are? I luckily found a home for my OE roo so he will be staying with me.

On this one it's comb size for 7 weeks it's big