Why doesn't my cockerel crow?

[pineapple416]

I have a 7 month old Silkie cockerel who still doesn't crow, and I know for sure he is a cockerel. He is very submissive and we have another dominant rooster that lives with him that crows often. He is at the bottom of the pecking order, and is one of the sweetest birds in our flock. I want to use him in my breeding program in the spring, so I was wondering why he is still showing no signs of crowing or mating? Is this common in Silkie roosters?
Thank you and happy new year everyone!

 

[sourland]

A dominant rooster can actually cause depressed testosterone levels in a subordinate. Every time he thinks about crowing, he probably gets his butt kicked. He is a little young, but will man up if you provide him his own pen with his own ladies.

 

[azygous]

You've pretty much already answered your own question.

"we have another dominant rooster that lives with him that crows often. He is at the bottom of the pecking order" There's your answer.

It's pretty normal for younger, less dominant cockerels not to crow.

 

[pineapple416]

Thanks sourland and azygous, I thought this might be the reason as well but just wanted sone more opinions on it.

 

[donrae]

Agree with the above.

I have a pen with two silkie cockerel, about the age of your boy. They're penned adjacent to my dominant rooster and his little group of hens. The silkies just got brave enough to crow. They've realized Eric (dominant rooster) can posture and threaten, but there is a sturdy fence so they're safe. Now they're crowing all the blessed time......

When you're ready to breed, pull him to a breeding pen and I'm thinking he'll happily "man up" for your hens