Silkies - Do I have ANY hens??

[Bleenie]

So through some trading I acquired these guys, mainly because my sister wanted them. They were very young when we first got them and they're about 5 months old now, i think. I have no idea if I have any girls, but i really hope so.

I am 100% sure the biggest Buff one is a Roo but the other 2 have me baffled.... they have uniform crests but hard feathers in their tails.. Maybe just because they aren't that great of quality? I dunno.....

Roo is in the back

 

[emys]

Looks like you have a pair of hens with your rooster.

Some hard feathers in the center of the tail happen in females. They look like hens although I can't really see combs well in these photos.

 

[Bleenie]

Okay well that's good to know! The 2 in front have almost no comb, like a hen thier age should... the hard feathers just threw me off, all the Silkie hens i have had in the past had beautiful, fluff only tails, no hard feathers at all!

thanks so much

 

[luvchicks8]

Quote:
I agree

 

[Bleenie]

The rooster has a fairt amount of gray/black feathers in his tail, is that undesireable for a Buff Silkie?

 

[Smoky73]

Quote:
Yes, that would be undesireable for showing, but, yours are not show quality so there is nothing wrong with it. Some of the best looking birds are a mix of colors!

 

[Loddie Da]

Quote:
I agree

I will 3rd that.

Quote:
It is very undesireable, so much so that it has earned the nick name of "smut" it exhibition lingo.
But for a much loved pet or layer there's nothing wrong with it. The only thing I would say is if you chose to breed please let the buyer of the eggs/chicks know about the color/markings ect.

For PQ's they are very cute

 

[Chevis]

Quote:
I Forth that!

Very pretty!

 

[tingle]

beautiful soft colour

 

[Bleenie]

I just stopped by the feed store today and picked up this cute little buff-colored chicks... feathered feet too. the person wasn't sure what it was so i am assuming it came from their "bantam assortment" he said they got in a while back... I THINK it might be a little Cochin, would be wonderful if it was a roo (never thought i would say that!!), if so I will probably rehome this silkie guy and keep the cochin for Sizzle babies.... I Love Sizzles

the new baby also has a really nice amount of feathering on it's legs & feet!