Sexing Chicks

[MysteryChicken]

Has anyone tried the vent sexing on silkie chicks?

I don't do this method.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Can you wing sex silkies soon after hatching?

I have, with success. So yes, just takes alot of practice to differentiate the differences between different sexes, of those who grow at different rates.

Let me tell you, it's complicated, not easy.

 

[MysteryChicken]

My method is always comb and wattle growth. It's the most reliable in my opinion.
I usually look at face and tails.
This thread is about sexing silkies, but a lot of these methods are used on other breeds too.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/tips-on-sexing-silkies.1477252/

Here's Pippin's quick guide for silkie sexing:

MALE

• Tail feathers extend lomger than tail
• Wide U-shaped comb
• Wattle growth
• Feathers extending from crest
• Lower back feathers droop down the sides
• Neck feathers are long

FEMALE

• Round crest
• Comb is thin and goes up in 2 parallel lines and join into a small walnut
• Saddle feathers are in an upside down U shape and don't extend furtger than the tail
• Neck feathers are shorter

Combs on silkie roosters aren't always U shaped.

 

[MysteryChicken]

My method is always comb and wattle growth. It's the most reliable in my opinion.
I usually look at face and tails.
This thread is about sexing silkies, but a lot of these methods are used on other breeds too.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/tips-on-sexing-silkies.1477252/

Here's Pippin's quick guide for silkie sexing:

MALE

• Tail feathers extend lomger than tail
• Wide U-shaped comb
• Wattle growth
• Feathers extending from crest
• Lower back feathers droop down the sides
• Neck feathers are long

FEMALE

• Round crest
• Comb is thin and goes up in 2 parallel lines and join into a small walnut
• Saddle feathers are in an upside down U shape and don't extend furtger than the tail
• Neck feathers are shorter

Silkie Pullet/Hens can have feathering that varies. Some have longish, hackles, & tail feathers.

Some female Silkies have streamers, or a Bonnet Shaped Crest, never squared like a cockerel/Rooster.

Saddles on a Pullet.

Depending on how fluffy the female silkie is, saddles will cover wing feather tips like a rooster.

 

[Painted Calls]

Don't worry, I won't do it I was just finding out info, wasn't sure if there are ways to find out sooner. Don't think I can get them dna sexing anywhere in Ireland

All the DNA sexing is done online. Maybe Google it and see if any accept samples from Ireland.

 

[Fluffy Lambs]

I have, with success. So yes, just takes alot of practice to differentiate the differences between different sexes, of those who grow at different rates.

Let me tell you, it's complicated, not easy.

You can do that with silkies? Those would have been the last chickens I would have thought of that you could feather sex!
How old do they have to be?

 

[Fluffy Lambs]

All the DNA sexing is done online. Maybe Google it and see if any accept samples from Ireland.

Is it a bit pricey, or a cheap way to sex chicks accurately ?

 

[MysteryChicken]

You can do that with silkies? Those would have been the last chickens I would have thought of that you could feather sex!
How old do they have to be?

1-3-7 days maximum. I may make an article some time explaining my method on different varieties of chickens.
This includes:

Silkies

Sumatras

Orpingtons

Easter Egger mixes

Orpington Mixes for example.

 

[Painted Calls]

Is it a bit pricey, or a cheap way to sex chicks accurately ?

I have no idea. I've never needed to do it. I would say it's 100% accurate if you collect the samples properly. It goes my DNA.

 

[Fluffy Lambs]

1-3-7 days maximum. I may make an article some time explaining my method on different varieties of chickens.
This includes:

Silkies

Sumatras

Orpingtons

Easter Egger mixes

Orpington Mixes for example.

Thank you! What pattern differences did you notice, if you don't mind me asking?