Sex/Crowing

[Dmossjr]

Hi all! New to this forum, and also new to raising chickens. I have three Silkies whom I’ve raised since 2 days old — first time. My white one has turned into a rooster, obviously with a comb. But this morning, Chita Rivera (they are all named after showbiz legends) crowed as well. I thought Chita was a hen — there’s no sign of a comb/waddle anywhere. Is Chita indeed a make without a comb? Possible? Or a female who is crowing? Possible??

 

[Mylied]

That chicken clearly has a walnut comb. How old is it? Can you get a full body pic?

 

[Matilda Belle]

That's a pretty large comb. Definitely a boy.

 

[featheredplanets]

Age will help and a full body picture. The fleshy thing on it’s beak is it’s comb, bearded birds lack wattles.

 

[chrissynemetz]

I'm not super good at sexing silkies, but that one does look like a cockerel to me

 

[Dmossjr]

Thanks everyone for your replies — all interesting!! Our Silkies are almost 4 months old. Definitely the walnut is larger on this black Silkies than our brown one. A full body shot is below — but I was comparing it to our white one who clearly has a more traditional rooster comb (pic below). Guessing they can vary that much??

 

[featheredplanets]

He’s a cockerel. The other cockerel’s comb is straight, I think it’s an undesirable trait when breeding Silkies?

 

[Dmossjr]

Oh that’s interesting!!! That gives me something to research and see perhaps if a more “typical” looking comb is undesirable....though ultimately I don’t care — he’s a sweet little guy no matter what!

 

[Matilda Belle]

He’s a cockerel. The other cockerel’s comb is straight, I think it’s an undesirable trait when breeding Silkies?

Correct.

 

[Mylied]

Yes, have to agree on him being a male. Walnut combs are what silkies are supposed to have. I believe, and may be wrong, that they only get straight combs when mixed. Doesn't really matter if it's for your own enjoyment. Silkies mature pretty slowly so the girls take a while to get a comb and lay.