Silkie - hen or roo?

[annas orps]

Okay so this is our first Silkie & we're not totally sure if she's a hen or roo, especially as she must be at least six months now & we've had no eggs!! When we got her two months ago we were told she was a hen but I know with Silkies it can be hard to tell. What do you think?

 

[BantamLover21]

Looks like a rooster to me, since I see streamers, the wattles are large, and there are indications of sickle feathers in the tail.

 

[Wyandottes7]

I'm thinking rooster as well.

 

[Cluckywucky]

I have three silkies, one we think is a roo. Can anyone help. They are about 22 wks old and no eggs as yet. thanks

 

[annas orps]

Thanks for your replies, we've checked and he has spurs. So Heather is becoming Hiccup!!! He's really sweet and friendly right now, I hope he stays that way - what are Silkie roosters normally like in terms of personality?

Btw Cluckywucky, they look like girls to me (but to be honest, I don't know loads about Silkies, so may be wrong). Apparently Silkie hens often start laying quite late, some don't even start until 8 months.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

My Silkie roosters are very docile and sweet. I have 3 of them in my flock right now, and they all get along and take very good care of their collective hens. They're also pretty quiet, considering I have them all living together. They never attack us and are easy to catch for snuggles, which my daughter enjoys quite a bit!

 

[annas orps]

Oh that's good to know We have two other roosters, both Orpingtons and they're really sweet. As long as this guy stays nice then I don't mind having a third one.

We only have a dozen hens though, and I keep hearing about needing at least eight hens to a rooster - what's peoples opinions on this? We are planning to add to the flock but not until spring (with the exception of a few eggs we're hoping will hatch, but we haven't candled them yet to even know if they're fertile)