The greatest differences between silkie hens and roosters are their size, wattles, and crown feathers. Silkie roosters are larger than silkie hens, and they develop a wattle earlier in life that grows larger than females’ wattles, and roosters have crown feathers while hens do not.
How can you tell if a silkie chick is male or female?
Streamers – silkie cockerels tend to get thin, long feathers coming from their crown. Whereas hens have nice, short, rounded feathers, you’ll find that young males have a messy looking crown a top their head with the so called ‘streamers’ sticking out the back.
How do you tell if your silkie is a male?
Female Silkies will keep their bodies more horizontally positioned, where males will stand more upright, keeping their chests forward and their necks elongated. Males will also hold their tail more upright, where females will keep it horizontal or slightly dipped toward the ground.
What is the difference between a silkie and a silkie Bantam?
Silkies are some of the larger bantam varieties, but they are still very small and their uniquely fluffy feathers sets them apart from the rest. Silkie chickens are known for their characteristically fluffy plumage said to feel silk- or satin-like to the touch.
How do you tell a hen from a rooster?
Generally, roosters are much larger than hens. Their combs (on top of their heads) and wattles (hanging down from cheek area) are more noticeable and redder. Finally, only hens lay eggs. This may seem like a ridiculous statement; however, it is the only 100% guaranteed way to determine if you have a hen versus rooster.
How old are Silkies when they start crowing?
All Silkie roosters are capable of crowing at about 4 to 5 months old, but not all will. Silkies as young as 2 months old have been known to crow, while others have not begun crowing until nearly a year old. Unlike other breeds of chicken, Silkies are less likely to crow if you have other mature roosters on-site.
Can two silkie roosters live together?
With no hens to compete for, multiple roosters often live together in relative peace. 4. Raise them together in your flock. Roosters who are raised together establish a pecking order between them as they are growing up.
What age do silkie roosters mate?
Roosters must be sexually mature in order to fertilize an egg. This is usually achieved at five to six months of age. Roosters will begin to crow before they are fertile. Roosters fertilize by mounting the hen and depositing semen.
Can Silkies breed with other chickens?
Can silkies breed with other chickens? Yes, in most cases you can mix breeds of chicken in your flock. They generally get on very well. Silkies usually get on well with other chicken breeds, despite their unusual plumage, presuming you have several.
Do female Silkies have combs?
The silkie comb on males may begin to show some signs of development from three weeks onward. A upside down “U” at the top part of the comb may be the beginning of a wider developing comb and signal a male. Females tend to have a more narrow upside down “V” at the top of their combs.
What is the rarest color of silkie chicken?
Red. Red Silkies are a rare variation and not recognized. The color does not exist naturally in Silkies and must be introduced by another breed. Some breeders describe them simply as darker buff variations, although there are breeders specially working on developing red Silkies in Australia.
What is the lifespan of a silkie chicken?
between 7-9 years
A standard silkie chicken will generally live between 7-9 years, however this does all depend on the care given to them. Some Silkies have been known to live longer, so give them a little extra TLC and you’ll have their love for many years to come!
What color Silkies lay eggs?
white
Unfortunately, Silkies are relatively poor egg layers. They will lay around 3 eggs per week, with some Silkies not laying at all over summer. Their eggs are small to medium in size and cream or white in colour.
At what age can you tell if a chick is a rooster?
Between 5-7 weeks, you should be able to begin visually distinguishing males from females. Compared to pullets, the combs and wattles of cockerels often develop earlier and are usually larger. Females are typically smaller in size than males.
At what age does a rooster start crowing?
6 to 8 weeks
At 6 to 8 weeks, the cockerels are going to start crowing.
How cold is too cold for silkies?
What Is Too Cold for a Silkie Chicken? Surprisingly enough, chickens, in general, can withstand temperatures below freezing. However, cold hardy breeds like Silkies can withstand up to zero degrees Fahrenheit when provided shelter.
How many hens do you need for a silkie rooster?
One rooster per 3-4 hens is a good ratio. Often silkie roosters get along with each other fairly well, so it’s not too much of a hardship, and their slightly lower fertility rates are offset with an extra rooster or two.
Are silkies OK in cold weather?
Silkies, but not showgirls, are generally accepted to be a cold hardy chicken breed so if your area is known for getting harsh cold winters they are an appropriate choice.
Do roosters sleep with the hens?
Roosters may choose to mate with hens inside the nesting box or go into the nesting box for company. A rooster spending a significant amount of time alone in a nesting box may be ill and should be taken to the veterinarian.
Do Silkie roosters get aggressive?
Silkie roosters are a less aggressive breed of chicken, and they are mostly known for having a fairly calm temperament. Keeping only one rooster at a time can help reduce incidences of aggression, but it doesn’t mean they won’t happen.
Are Silkie roosters friendly?
Their temperament and silkies are known to be calm, friendly, and docile – even the boys. It has been recorded by several people that the roosters will ‘tidbit for the chicks!