I've always loved chickens and last spring find myself with a full blown case of "chicken fever". I have 2-1/2 acres and horses, so chicken keeping was not a big step. I researched and picked the breed that best fit what I was looking for. I wanted sweet chickens that could be around my grandchildren (5 years old and 1 year old) and would produce eggs. I chose Silkie Bantams and purchased 14 from my feed store. 10 white, 2 buff and 2 black that were 1 day old when I purchased them on April 30, 2014.
As sweet and wonderful as they are (and they are!!!), they are difficult to sex. A fourth rooster has emerged with abysmal attempts at crowing. I suspect one to two more, unfortunately. This is a lot of testosterone. So far Elvis, Elton, Bernie and Spring are co-existing. I am currently greatly expanding their living areas and they are allowed to free range when I am home in the evenings and weekends.
My question is, what can I expect as they age? Will they become less tolerant of each other? All roosters allow me to hold them and pet them, even Elvis the clear head of the flock, although he is not as snuggly as the others. Is there a chance they can all co-exist even if one or two more emerge?
Thanks so much for your help! Lori
As sweet and wonderful as they are (and they are!!!), they are difficult to sex. A fourth rooster has emerged with abysmal attempts at crowing. I suspect one to two more, unfortunately. This is a lot of testosterone. So far Elvis, Elton, Bernie and Spring are co-existing. I am currently greatly expanding their living areas and they are allowed to free range when I am home in the evenings and weekends.
My question is, what can I expect as they age? Will they become less tolerant of each other? All roosters allow me to hold them and pet them, even Elvis the clear head of the flock, although he is not as snuggly as the others. Is there a chance they can all co-exist even if one or two more emerge?
Thanks so much for your help! Lori