Sexing silkies

[plantguy90]

Well 7 silkies arrived tuesday 3/16/09, they are doing fine, and I added "2day old" RIR to my brooder just for more fun. I really want to know the sex of my Silkies, as I have to split the lot with a friend. Any tips?

 

[chkinut]

ur in my same situation. i'm hatching some showgirl eggs and then i'm gonna hatch some silkie eggs. i am keeping one from each batch. then all the extras go to a friend of mine who offered to take the rest. i would love to have 2 pullets. but since they're gonna be in the house a lot....and be my pets.....i'll pick 2 and hope for the best. if they're both roos....oh well....but i'm just gonna try all the methods that i heard on BYC about sexing chicks and try that way. it certainly won't be 100%, but i'm gonna try anyway. i've learned you can lay a chick on their back in your hand....wait for them to relax...and the roos will supposidily stick both legs straight....while the pullets will pull one leg up and stick the other out straight. i also read that if you pick a chick up by the scruff of their neck (like a mother cat would do to her kittens) the pullets will be very limp, while the roos will pull their feet up. also, if you fly a hat (or something) over the brooder, the roos will most likely stand up....while the pullets will cower or run for cover. and like i said, these are certainly NOT 100%. but if i find a chick that shows the pullet traits with all 3 tests....i'll keep it. otherwise, it can take FOREVER to be able to tell the sex of silkies! MUCH longer than "normal" chickens. good luck! and post some pics if you can!

 

[plantguy90]

Thanks for the tips, will have to try the 3 for 3 test myself!

 

[txchickie]

The ONLY way to sex silkies is wait till one crows or lays an egg

They are so so difficult to determine gender!

 

[emys]

How close is this friend? Just agree if one of you ends up with all boys to trade back for at least one girl.

Or - There are 7, so you both walk in, look at the chicks, you pick first one. They pick next and so on. You get 4 they get 3, your odds are pretty good both of you will end up with at least one hen and everyone is happy.