Silkie sex and color

[AngBantamLuv]

So the coop doors were open and some of my chicks were walking in my livingroom. While i was holding my partridge silkie... the black one ran out of the coop in attack mode about 12' towards me! I am seriously thinking male based on behavior. Still no wattle or comb development on either, but face feathers are appearing and looking a little softer on the partridge.

I also modified my coop to add a vinyl skirt to keep their litter in. I tested water expanded pine horse pellets and it is easy to sift the poop out from it like kitty litter. Ill see how that works this week. So far no litter escaping, yay!

 

[AngBantamLuv]

For anyone reading the thread, both silkies were DNA sexed as females! Here are pics in case it helps anyone else, oldest to youngest, @ 17 weeks, 8 weeks, and 4 weeks. Even now at 17 weeks, their combs have a flat V shape to them.

They are so beautiful and sweet now, so happy i didn't have to rehome!

 

[MysteryChicken]

Oh they're pretty sweet, and we have the space, so even if they're roos, we will keep them as long as possible and take the time to find an actual home but it would be cool if one end up a pullet!!

It's whatever you choose to do with them.

 

[pozees2]

Cute setup I'd give them some time, I thought they looked a little girlie, it's hard to tell with them though.

 

[AngBantamLuv]

Cute setup I'd give them some time, I thought they looked a little girlie, it's hard to tell with them though.

Oh i hope youre right! Well summer heat is here through September, theyll be 5 months old come October.. so that will be a good time to wait until to know for sure, and good time weather wise to rehome males. I have a second cage/hutch i can use if things get crowded. If i end up w a female silkie, then ill expand the indoor coop, but i dont want to cut it up if i dont need to.

 

[AngBantamLuv]

I am going to DNA sex mine. They are from ideal as well. I have two white, three buff (or maybe partridge based on the black in the wings), and three black. I'll post pics as they age but I am likely going to rehome my roosters by 6 weeks. But we can at least compare baby pics of DNA sexed silkies

Thats so cool! I would totally appreciate that! Where are you getting the DNA testing from and how much does it cost? How old are your chicks now?

I have considered DNA testing.. keeping a bird around costs money to feed and care.. might save money and frustration (and sadness and 7 year old bawling her eyes out).