Silkie Flock help with possible genders

[Skrollover]

Hello,

New member. Long time reader. Second flock, first with silkies.

I have five silkies, about 13 weeks old, that we bought from a local bird enthusiast. 2 chicks from a store which are suppose to be a buff Orpington and an isa brown and also suppose to be hens. I’m a little skeptical of the store.

I am hoping I have mostly hens, although one of the silkies is definitely flaunting his glistening streamers in the wind. In our area we are not suppose to have roosters. Are silkie Roos pretty quiet?

What are your takes/ guesses on these babes? None have crowed yet... I have attached a video in hopes it helps. I’m still newer to the backyard chicken life so any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[NNYchick]

It hard to tell if those are streamers or just new feathers coming in. I would keep an eye on the silver partridge too.
No silkies are no quieter than any other rooster.

 

[Skrollover]

NNYchick, thanks for responding. The silver partridge has the same extended streamers but a little shorter. I have a feeling it my be rooster fever here! I’ll keep my eyes out and update.

My mom has a farm where I’m sure I could relocate them. I will miss them if I have to move them. They have become my babies.

Some of my silkies already have a difficult time looking around. Do you guys trim their feathers around their eyes... if you do what’s the easiest way.

 

[NNYchick]

NNYchick, thanks for responding. The silver partridge has the same extended streamers but a little shorter. I have a feeling it my be rooster fever here! I’ll keep my eyes out and update.

My mom has a farm where I’m sure I could relocate them. I will miss them if I have to move them. They have become my babies.

Some of my silkies already have a difficult time looking around. Do you guys trim their feathers around their eyes... if you do what’s the easiest way.

I know everyone says look for boys have streamers and girls don’t this is true in adults but it has been my experience that crowing is always my first indication of gender. They crow about 16 weeks old then the comb gets larger and then streamers about 6-7 months when testosterone is in full swing. Since you have a home for the boys I would definitely wait till they crow before re homing.
I pluck my girls crest if it’s impede her vision, pick them up and hold them at eye level if you can’t see the eyes then you can pluck or trim feathers between beak and eye. Some people use ponytail holders but mine never leave them in and I’m afraid they will eat them. My boys never have needed help as the comb pushes the feathers out of the way.
Before pluck

After

 

[wemimew]

I’m not sure about those being streamers, the ones on my boys look like a long thick (shiny) hair out of place. My girls all went through a phase when their advanced fros came in and I questioned if they were streamers or not. Have any crowed yet? Any male chest bumping or throwing their weight around? If you could get closer pics of them and their combs that would really help . At that age it was easy to pick my boys out going off that.