TOO early for gender?? SILKIES UPDATE PG 3

[silkiechick05]

Quote:

I've felt a little devilish today, please forgive me

They are very pretty babies. Looks like you got you a good deal. The buff looks pretty clear, but I don't know much about buff, I have heard it is a hard color to breed. So, looks like you might have you a good start there.

LOL

I have those days too...

The buff did have some "smut" (i think that is what it is called) as he got a little older, but his new feathers don't seem to have it...

 

[Elite Silkies]

He looks pretty good so far to me. Maybe someone that breeds the buff will come along and give their opinion.

 

[WestKnollAmy]

You should start handling them at this age.
They are a good enough size that you can get your hand around the body well enough to hold down the wings so no flapping. Then I just sit on the steps and pet them and coo over them and after a few weeks introduce nail clippers. Mine are not shown so I don't actually have to clip and since mine get to be birds all the time, there isn't anything to clip on the nails or file on the beak but I know that handled birds are easier to care for when an emergency arises and so many people visit my farm wanting to touch the Silkies. So I get my animals used to being handled if that is what they are here for.
I have a crossed beak Silkie roo that has to have his beak trimmed and at first he would fight me. He was about 6 months old and had never been treated kindly. Now years later he sits patiently while I trim it and go over his feathers to keep his body in good shape.

 

[silkiechick05]

Quote:
Should i hold them with one hand and keep their wings down with the other??

 

[solarquail]

Yea and they are adorable!!! there so freaking CUTE!!!

Quote Nadine.
I just love Silkies at this age! Look at those cute little faces! Those fuzzy bodies and big eyes! How darling!

 

[WestKnollAmy]

I suppose I should take a photo since I am so bad with descriptions.
What I do is put my thumb on their back with my fingers under the body and have a leg between my fingers as well. The wing is usually next to my palm. I do this on both sides loosely because I don't want to constrict their chest. I always make sure my fingers are not pushing on their crop either. DH has to be reminded of that often. Once they get used to me picking them up and holding them this way most of the time I can do it one handed and tip them into my hand and then snuggle them next to my chest to carry them.
My cross beaked fella is the only one that struggles when I pick him up but he is a bigger bird than most Silkies I have. I still pick him up 2 handed and carry him with his head tucked under my arm because he will start struggling. He doesn't seem to be able to see well and I figure me bouncing his world around may spook him.

 

[Jennings Gamefowl]

soo cute

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

The buff looks pretty good as long as the comb doesnt turn red. I would guess that the buff is a pullet, but im not 100% sure.

 

[silkiechick05]

I am really afraid the blues are boys.

ETA:

Their crests are slanted more backward, while the buff's are evenly placed

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

I'm certainly not an expert, but my personal opinion is that the buff looks like a girl right now.