Sexing my mini chickens

[nicky5]

Can anyone help me? Not sure what my babies are boy or girl? 12 weeks old!!!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

The black/red is a cockerel
The silkie remains to be determined

 

[nicky5]

Oh that is not what I wanted to hear. I was hoping both girls, it will be awful to separate them, they have been together since we brought them home! But no roosters here!!! What do you see that makes you say rooster?

 

[drumstick diva]

Silkies are very difficult to sex before 4-5 mos. of age and sometimes not till they lay or crow. You may want to post the photo at the "Silkie thread." and see what they think.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

The black/red is a cockerel
The silkie remains to be determined

I agree

Quote: The comb is much too large and red for a hen, sorry

 

[silkiecuddles]

The brown one 99% cock, the silkie 90% sure is a pullet. Silkies are very very challenging to sex! They're both lovely birds! :

 

[Michael OShay]

Given the size and redness of its comb at 12 weeks, the black/red bird is a cockerel. I don't see anything screaming cockerel on the Silkie so I'm leaning toward pullet.

 

[nicky5]

Thank you to all of you, and I do see what you are saying about the puffy feathers. Not what I wanted to hear, but nothing I can change!!! I know someone who will take him

A question to you all? Because the two are so tight and cry when they are not together, will both get over that, if I bring a new one in her age and at his new home he will make chicken friends? They are not going to die from being apart?

 

[Michael OShay]

Thank you to all of you, and I do see what you are saying about the puffy feathers. Not what I wanted to hear, but nothing I can change!!! I know someone who will take him

A question to you all? Because the two are so tight and cry when they are not together, will both get over that, if I bring a new one in her age and at his new home he will make chicken friends? They are not going to die from being apart?

You're welcome. They will adjust to not having the other bird around. However, chickens are gregarious and like company so you do need to bring in a new one her age. Just be sure and introduce them slowly and carefully using the "look but don't touch method" until they become familiar with each other. There is a good article at https://poultrykeeper.com/general-chickens/introducing-new-chickens/ explaining how to do it. )

 

[N F C]

Welcome to BYC!

I'm sorry you can't keep them both. Hope the re-homing goes well.

Thanks for joining us!