Just how early can you sex silkies? Can you get an idea from their feathers or comb?

[The Backyard Bantams]

Here’s my example; a 4 week old, non-bearded buff and white silkie Bub, who I have a strong hunch is a girl.

Her wings look female, no comb growth whatsoever, I’ve heard of a test where you carefully flip them upside down, (boys kinda sit there, girls flip), she tested female for that...... so I’m thinking and hoping she’s a little girl!

My iPad Is still glitching, will add more pics in a minute.

 

[The Backyard Bantams]

I’m open to any name suggestions too!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Hard to tell until they are a bit older. Generally between 2-4 months.

 

[The Backyard Bantams]

Also, any idea on colouring?

I have a hunch this little (partdridge??) one is a boy!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

The first looks buff. Many times my hunches about the sex of young ones is spot on. Other times not so much.

 

[The Backyard Bantams]

Hmmm... I was wondering if she'd turn out plain buff, even 3 weeks ago when I got her (she's tripled in size) she was mostly lavender with a buff stripe.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If you really need to sex it early, DNA testing should be completely accurate.

 

[The Backyard Bantams]

If you really need to sex it early, DNA testing should be completely accurate.

It's not urgent, just nice to know so I can find a good home if we have a roo! DNA sounds cool, but I expect that it would be VERY expensive?

 

[rosemarythyme]

It's not urgent, just nice to know so I can find a good home if we have a roo! DNA sounds cool, but I expect that it would be VERY expensive?

It's not cheap. But some people want to know ASAP, so that's the best way in those cases. Not sure what companies are available to do it for Australia, you'd have to search around.

 

[The Backyard Bantams]

Looked at the little partdridge one again today and saw the start of TINY waddles!! Definitely a cockerel! (Still could be wrong tho lol)

Hopefully I can find a good home for him ASAP!