What age can you tell a silkies gender?

[sophiesflock]

I'm getting 4 straight run silkies in September in the hope I'll end up with 2 girls. How old are silkies before you can tell their gender? What are the signs? Thanks!

 

[drumstick diva]

silkies are one of the hardest breeds to sex early. Even breeders often have to wait till 4-5 mos. Sometimes not until they crow or lay. Hatchery birds are a whole different category, usually not resembling what one considers as a sikie. They generally have less feather and smaller crests, which makes it hard to decide if male or female

Well breed silkies usually have a full crest (females) even at an early age - while male tend to have a brushed back look.to their crests. You can also post on the "silkie thread," for other opinions.