Silkie chicks. Is avian DNA test worth it?

[tannsyim]

Hi there.
I just got two( 4 week old I was told) amazing silkie chicks and I also found out I can’t have roosters where I live . That said I know I will get extremely attached to these two little chicks so I was wondering if it would be worth it to do a avian DNA test, if it’s accurate? And also if I do keep them and it’s a cockerel that starts to crow if I can get in trouble from the time I find out till time I can give him to a good home?. Any input on what type of silkies these are and what your guesses are currently can help. This is my first time owning chickens. I already love them. I Appreciate the input on all those questions.

 

[JedJackson]

I'd say it's well worth it in your case. The longer you have them, the more difficult it will be to let go if you get one or both cockerels.

They are too young to sex now.

If they start to crow before you can rehome them, talking to the neighbors and explaining that you are in the process of rehoming them would probably go a long way in keeping things on the up and up.

 

[1muttsfan]

You will likely be able to tell if you have a cockerel before they start crowing. Also, young cockerels do not crow very loudly for a while. That should give you time to rehome if you have to.

Hope they are both girls!

 

[Rhodebar Lover]

I'd say it's well worth it in your case. The longer you have them, the more difficult it will be to let go if you get one or both cockerels.

They are too young to sex now.

If they start to crow before you can rehome them, talking to the neighbors and explaining that you are in the process of rehoming them would probably go a long way in keeping things on the up and up.

I have to agree. Especially with how long it takes for Silkies to mature enough to even guess on gender. I wouldn't wait

 

[tannsyim]

I'd say it's well worth it in your case. The longer you have them, the more difficult it will be to let go if you get one or both cockerels.

They are too young to sex now.

If they start to crow before you can rehome them, talking to the neighbors and explaining that you are in the process of rehoming them would probably go a long way in keeping things on the up and up.

ou that is a good idea to talk to neighbors incase actually. Thanks for that.

 

[tannsyim]

You will likely be able to tell if you have a cockerel before they start crowing. Also, young cockerels do not crow very loudly for a while. That should give you time to rehome if you have to.

Hope they are both girls!

Thank you!! I hope they are too but to my very untrained eye they both look male to me but I really dont know anything. Appreciate your answer!

 

[tannsyim]

I have to agree. Especially with how long it takes for Silkies to mature enough to even guess on gender. I wouldn't wait

I think your right. Thank you!

 

[MegsEggsx]

Silkies won’t generally crow till about 25-30 weeks old and way before that you should be able to tell if it is a boy. But I would still recommend getting a DNA test so you have plenty of time to find a good home for him.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Hi there.
I just got two( 4 week old I was told) amazing silkie chicks and I also found out I can’t have roosters where I live . That said I know I will get extremely attached to these two little chicks so I was wondering if it would be worth it to do a avian DNA test, if it’s accurate? And also if I do keep them and it’s a cockerel that starts to crow if I can get in trouble from the time I find out till time I can give him to a good home?. Any input on what type of silkies these are and what your guesses are currently can help. This is my first time owning chickens. I already love them. I Appreciate the input on all those questions.

I DNA test any of my silkies that I intend on keeping. So far the results have been 100% accurate in my case. You have to be careful not to contaminate the sample.
It is definitely worth it. It is about $12 per bird. You can clip a nail to the quick and get a few drops of blood, or I think easier, just pluck out some feathers. I have also sent eggshells from newly hatched chicks.
Takes around 10 days, depending on how busy the company you are using is.
Good luck!
Your birds look like the non-bearded type.
Oh and welcome to BYC!

 

[tannsyim]

I DNA test any of my silkies that I intend on keeping. So far the results have been 100% accurate in my case. You have to be careful not to contaminate the sample.
It is definitely worth it. It is about $12 per bird. You can clip a nail to the quick and get a few drops of blood, or I think easier, just pluck out some feathers. I have also sent eggshells from newly hatched chicks.
Takes around 10 days, depending on how busy the company you are using is.
Good luck!
Your birds look like the non-bearded type.
Oh and welcome to BYC!

I just ordered a sample kit. I, like you will probably do the feathers. Thank you for the heads up and for the welcoming!!