Silkie thread!

[Lboogie]

Ok I have two silkies that are almost five months old and I'm trying to figure out if either of them are cockerels. I've researched the characteristics of males and females and my grey silkie seems to be a cockerel from what I have noticed so far, although I know that it's extremely hard to tell until they reach maturity and/or start crowing. Neither of them are crowing yet and I haven't really noticed any aggressive behavior yet. The other three chickens that I have are red star hens that are also five months and just started laying yesterday, but I haven't cracked an egg open yet to check for fertility. My main question, I guess, is at what age are silkie cocks able to actually fertilize the eggs? I haven't seen any mating going on between either of the silkies and the hens, but then again I don't sit and stare at them all day long. Thanks ahead of time!

 

[ChickNmamma]

Ok I have two silkies that are almost five months old and I'm trying to figure out if either of them are cockerels. I've researched the characteristics of males and females and my grey silkie seems to be a cockerel from what I have noticed so far, although I know that it's extremely hard to tell until they reach maturity and/or start crowing. Neither of them are crowing yet and I haven't really noticed any aggressive behavior yet. The other three chickens that I have are red star hens that are also five months and just started laying yesterday, but I haven't cracked an egg open yet to check for fertility. My main question, I guess, is at what age are silkie cocks able to actually fertilize the eggs? I haven't seen any mating going on between either of the silkies and the hens, but then again I don't sit and stare at them all day long. Thanks ahead of time!

WHAT? You don't sit and stare at your chickens all day long?

Silkies are sneaky. I don't see mine mate either, unless I happen to be sitting and staring at them (ok, not all day - but at least a half hour)..

Do you want to hatch a Silkie x Red Star? I would just eat the eggs, when you crack them open you will know if they are fertile, and if they are.. then you have at least one boy.

If you want you can post pictures and we will give it our best guess too. My three month olds are starting to get the "streamers" on one boys head (I had him pegged as a boy, growing a comb too), the others I am still guessing on.

Oh, and

and Welcome to the Silkie thread. I think you will need 20 posts before you can post pictures.

 

[CookFarms]

I gave my silkie a bath today, and tried to scrub some of the dirt out of her, but her feathers don't get white(especially her head feathers). Is there some speciall technique or special shampoo you can us? I also put hay in the pen to help keep them clean.

 

[Chicnextdoor84]

Where can I get a tutorial on trimming the silkies butt poof for easier natural breeding?

 

[chris4kdz]

Well I had 3 silkies disappear today. No feathers no sign of struggle. My lot is 200 by 75 chainlink. No top. I assume a hawk. Well I am trying something to help but if any have ideas let me know. Thanks. I really don't want to use cd or bags hanging everywhere. But I am trying fishing line across the fence. Got a fourth done. Any suggestions. I do know it illegal to kill him. Well....

 

[Jharper]

Well I had 3 silkies disappear today. No feathers no sign of struggle. My lot is 200 by 75 chainlink. No top. I assume a hawk. Well I am trying something to help but if any have ideas let me know. Thanks. I really don't want to use cd or bags hanging everywhere. But I am trying fishing line across the fence. Got a fourth done. Any suggestions. I do know it illegal to kill him. Well....

I'd shoot it any way.

 

[Lboogie]

Thanks chicknmama! I watch them a little every day too especially because they're so amusing but I just never see any action haha! I'll post pics as soon as I can.

 

[alamb1]

This is cock a doodle Blue, my son's 5 month old cockerel he plans to show at his first show next month. What do you all think?

 

[fluffyfeathers]

I don't remember who posted this but i thought it was a good idea so i saved the pic. I believe they used fishing line.

Well I had 3 silkies disappear today. No feathers no sign of struggle. My lot is 200 by 75 chainlink. No top. I assume a hawk. Well I am trying something to help but if any have ideas let me know. Thanks. I really don't want to use cd or bags hanging everywhere. But I am trying fishing line across the fence. Got a fourth done. Any suggestions. I do know it illegal to kill him. Well....

 

[chris4kdz]

Fishing line is what I'm trying and it hard to catch them in the act. Hope maybe if I do it he might cone in but not get out. I only got 6 left..