Rooster? Raising Chicks?

[CHlCKEN]

Is it possible for a hen 2 nvr lay eggs? They look really different 2 me. The crowns are different. 1 has waddles 1 does not. He makes all sorts of noises in the mornings. While she is silent.

It’s entirely possible. How old are they by the way?

 

[lexipoo]

Sure looks female. The wattles are visible on spice because that one isn’t bearded, but a rooster at this age should have very prominent comb and wattles, brighter coloring to them, and have some “hard” feathers showing. the crest on Spice is also very feminine. I would be quite surprised to find this bird is actually male... and not crowing? you can post videos if you upload them to somewhere like YouTube, and then link to it here.

That’s not to say that roosters won’t have anything to do with chicks. A lot of us have had or still have roosters that take part in raising the chicks. I have a cockerel who has been heavily involved in the care of any chicks I integrate into the coop which makes things a lot easier, let me tell you! Haha.

I’ve nvr heard of bearded b4. Ill have 2 research that. He doesn’t crow but he’s very noisy. Lots of screeching like he’s trying 2? Just took these pictures. Might be better. I do know that only 1 of them lays eggs. He was nvr around when she went inside the hutch. (Sorry I’m trying 2 reply 2 every one @ once) lol I’m new 2 this! I haven’t seen any long term mounting but he does pick & jump on her occasionally. So no in less it’s just really quick? haha
The other chickens I rehoused were quite some time ago. Once my hen went broody she stopped laying eggs all together for several weeks & was sitting on nothing so I purchased some fertile eggs online. As soon as I brought those in they were both on them 24/7.

 

[lexipoo]

It’s entirely possible. How old are they by the way?

That’s interesting! I nvr knew that? Well I got them in April so almost a year

 

[CHlCKEN]

That’s interesting! I nvr knew that? Well I got them in April so almost a year

believe it or not, some Silkies may take up to a year before egg production begins.

 

[lexipoo]

REALLY good poin

believe it or not, some Silkies may take up to a year before egg production begins.

Wow... okay then so if Spice starts laying eggs next month then I will know for sure! haha Either way I’m so proud of this pair they r such good parents. It’s truly amazing how instinct kicks in. I added more pictures. I’ll work on a video! Thanks so much 2 everyone who responded. It’s nice 2 have some feedback!

 

[MysteryChicken]

believe it or not, some Silkies may take up to a year before egg production begins.

But a silkie won't go broody before laying.

Looks like a male to me, just has a poor quality crest.

Reports of broody roosters exist, but it's rare.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I’ve nvr heard of bearded b4. Ill have 2 research that. He doesn’t crow but he’s very noisy. Lots of screeching like he’s trying 2? Just took these pictures. Might be better. I do know that only 1 of them lays eggs. He was nvr around when she went inside the hutch. (Sorry I’m trying 2 reply 2 every one @ once) lol I’m new 2 this! I haven’t seen any long term mounting but he does pick & jump on her occasionally. So no in less it’s just really quick? haha
The other chickens I rehoused were quite some time ago. Once my hen went broody she stopped laying eggs all together for several weeks & was sitting on nothing so I purchased some fertile eggs online. As soon as I brought those in they were both on them 24/7.View attachment 2549450View attachment 2549448

I have screechy, crowers.

Chickens don't mount long turn, it's usually a fast mating.

 

[lexipoo]

Thanks so much! I will have 2 do some more research on all of this. If spice turns out 2 actually be a she then I will be pleasantly surprised.
I think the key factors remaining is that I’ve nvr gotten eggs (yet?) & that perhaps they are still 2 young? Born in April. A lot of their plumage has still not returned since their molting.
Also knowing the fact that not all roosters crow which he does not but seems 2 try... haha
I appreciate all of the help everyone! I know I will be back 2 have the chicks sexed. Stay healthy & happy.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Thanks so much! I will have 2 do some more research on all of this. If spice turns out 2 actually be a she then I will be pleasantly surprised.
I think the key factors remaining is that I’ve nvr gotten eggs (yet?) & that perhaps they are still 2 young? Born in April. A lot of their plumage has still not returned since their molting.
Also knowing the fact that not all roosters crow which he does not but seems 2 try... haha
I appreciate all of the help everyone! I know I will be back 2 have the chicks sexed. Stay healthy & happy.

You mentioned he screeches. Does he arch his neck, & straighten it out when he does so?

I'm an experienced silkie owner.

 

[lexipoo]

I have screechy, crowers.

Chickens don't mount long turn, it's usually a fast mating.

Thanks for this reply. Yes it’s not even a melody. lol He doesn’t do it every morning either but definitely always vocalizing something.

I’m not sure about the mounting either. I always just thought he was picking on her but it’s only happened once or twice. Very quickly. Like she said something stupid & he slapped her. haha