Sexing Silkie Chicks

[Alissareis]

Hello, anyone have an idea how to sex silkie chicks ? Is it possible to sex them by looking at their combs? These chicks are from 5-6 days old. Thank you.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Without DNA testing, no way to tell before like 16 weeks minimum

 

[Alissareis]

Without DNA testing, no way to tell before like 16 weeks minimum

Anyone have any guesses?

 

[the_peanut_coop]

Without DNA testing, no way to tell before like 16 weeks minimum

Umm.... there is a method called "streamer sexing." I'm don't know much about it, but male silkies I think have odd little "streamers" in front of their comb...

 

[Yardmom]

Umm.... there is a method called "streamer sexing." I'm don't know much about it, but male silkies I think have odd little "streamers" in front of their comb...

The streamers at the back of the crests don't happen until 16 weeks or so. Larger wattles and combs develop around that time as well, but breeding will also contribute to comb and wattle size or should I say lack of size.

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

Too young. Repost at 16 weeks or if you have a suspicion on gender.

 

[the_peanut_coop]

The streamers at the back of the crests don't happen until 16 weeks or so. Larger wattles and combs develop around that time as well, but breeding will also contribute to comb and wattle size or should I say lack of size.

Thanks, I knew it was something like that!

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Hello, anyone have an idea how to sex silkie chicks ? Is it possible to sex them by looking at their combs? These chicks are from 5-6 days old. Thank you.

Sweet little chicks! No way to tell this young unfortunately. Some people can guess by behavior. Boys tend to stand taller and girls are a little more submissive but I only get this right 50% of the time with my chicks!
If you must know before 16 weeks of age or even later, you can send feathers in for DNA testing but you have to wait until they’re at least 3 to 4 weeks old preferably. I did this with my Silkies when they were about 6 weeks old.

 

[TickenLady]

Sweet little chicks! No way to tell this young unfortunately. Some people can guess by behavior. Boys tend to stand taller and girls are a little more submissive but I only get this right 50% of the time with my chicks!
If you must know before 16 weeks of age or even later, you can send feathers in for DNA testing but you have to wait until they’re at least 3 to 4 weeks old preferably. I did this with my Silkies when they were about 6 weeks old.

Where did you order the DNA test from?

 

[THEChIcKeNwhisperer354]

Yes you can tell this early! Thing wings the females have two types of feathers short and long. Males have one type long.