Sexing 8 week old Silkies for the first time - did we do this right?

[SA Silkie mom]

Hi everyone,

After watching videos, reading blog posts, getting clued up here on the forum, we have sexed our 8-week old Silkies.

What we think they are:
- Photo ending in 457-2 - cockerel left, pullet right
- Photo ending in 542-2 - pullet
- Photo ending in 553-2 - cockerel
- Photo ending in 051-2 - cockerel
- Photo ending in 128-2 - cockerel

Would love to hear if you're thinking the same.

 

[sourland]

Far too young for me to even venture a guess.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Usually it's pretty difficult/impossible to tell before 5-6 months

 

[SA Silkie mom]

Hmmm, that's surprising, various blogs etc. I have read say that signs are from 8 weeks... That's what I'm finding a little confusing about trying to obtain info, because different people seem to do different things.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Hmmm, that's surprising, various blogs etc. I have read say that signs are from 8 weeks... That's what I'm finding a little confusing about trying to obtain info, because different people seem to do different things.

Most birds are 8 weeks. Silkies just take forever to mature

 

[SA Silkie mom]

Are you saying that a Silkie of 8 weeks with a nice full hairdo could still be a rooster? I'm just trying to learn here. I'd like to sell in the future.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Possibly. And one with a bigger comb could be a fast developing hen

 

[SA Silkie mom]

@sourland + @JacinLarkwell would you happen to know of any good resources about sexing Silkies that are accurate, according to your own experience? What would you say is mostly the first sign one is a pullet or cockerel?

 

[JacinLarkwell]

@sourland + @JacinLarkwell would you happen to know of any good resources about sexing Silkies that are accurate, according to your own experience? What would you say is mostly the first sign one is a pullet or cockerel?

@LadiesAndJane helped me sex my Two pullets a few months ago

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Hi everyone,

After watching videos, reading blog posts, getting clued up here on the forum, we have sexed our 8-week old Silkies.

What we think they are:
- Photo ending in 457-2 - cockerel left, pullet right
- Photo ending in 542-2 - pullet
- Photo ending in 553-2 - cockerel
- Photo ending in 051-2 - cockerel
- Photo ending in 128-2 - cockerel

Would love to hear if you're thinking the same.

Good morning! Agree with all the other posters that it is too early to be certain. Crest size and shape are only indcators later on after the crest is fully developed. Some Silkie boys show themselves early with a larger, bumpy comb or by crowing. I have had birds look female well over 3 months of age and then in a matter of a week or two look very male.
Other than this the only way to be certain in young Silkies is with DNA gender testing, which costs around $15. Good luck.