Now I understand about Sexing Silkies!

Poultryprincess · Post by **Poultryprincess** » Tue Jul 05, 2016 9:55 pm

I have an adolescent Blue Showgirl rooster. <Blackula>
Plus my 2 year old Blue Showgirl hen "Millie" (my avatar)

Bought 2 beautiful Blue silkie pullets to have a Quality quad for breeding.
Put everyone together but have been concerned about the pullets development.
One is growing well, the other is much smaller.

Blackula has been quite rough & there has been some screams.
I moved everyone to a larger pen - 4 birds in 40 sq ft + 25 sq ft outside pen.
The larger pullet has been running to me when Blackula is bothering her.
Today I took time to examine her, & you know where this is going right?
SHE is a HE!!!!! There is a tiny comb developing ~ Now it all makes sense.

SOOOOOO I could sell the pullet / cockerel bird & leave Blackula with 2 females.
OR move the 2 young Blues to a different pen, but I don't have room to Keep them thru the winter.
( I could "maybe" get a few fertile eggs in a few months from the youngin's, but not sure it's worth the effort )

Tomorrow I have to move them either way....but now I am POSITIVE I don't know how to sex silkies.
These 2 were the same size a few months ago. There has been Nothing to indicate a cockerel!!!
I think they are about 5 months old ~ ackkkkk. The cockerel is such a sweetie

Doug The Chickenman · Post by **Doug The Chickenman** » Tue Jul 05, 2016 9:59 pm

They crow or lay an egg is the best way to tell.
You may be able to tell from the streamers coming from the males head poof but if it is a really good liking male even that may lead you down the garden path.

kenya · Post by **kenya** » Wed Jul 06, 2016 1:25 am

Hey we need pictures!

Flat Rock Farm · Post by **Flat Rock Farm** » Wed Jul 06, 2016 7:02 am

Poultryprincess · Post by **Poultryprincess** » Wed Jul 06, 2016 8:46 am

I am such a "Space Cadet"!!!
When I looked at him this morning, I can't believe I didn't notice sooner.
He is Obviously a cockerel - been too busy with incubating chicks - my bad!
2 minutes after I separated the 2 blues, he was trying to crow.

Will get some pics once I get his new pen secured.
I am expecting some chicks to hatch starting today or tomorrow.
Also trying to set up the new Above ground pool.
Like "Rosanna Anna Dana" always said ~ "It's Always Something"

Silkie Sue · Post by **Silkie Sue** » Wed Jul 06, 2016 10:48 am

Well, at least you have now joined the " I am 100% sure ( i can't sex Silkies) Club" Don't feel bad, all of us are in the same club. Also, there is the same club for Polish and you are welcome to join that one as well :)

Poultryprincess · Post by **Poultryprincess** » Wed Jul 06, 2016 10:57 pm

Actually I have "ok" luck sexing Polish.
Not 100 % but a lot better than silkies - hee hee hee

Poultryprincess · Post by **Poultryprincess** » Fri Jul 08, 2016 12:46 am

OMGawd I took pics today of the Blue silkies....I can NOT believe the size of his comb!!!!
How the heck did I miss it? I bought her ( that is now a Him - LOL ) @ Mount Forest from one of my Favorite Silkie breeders.
He was about 3 1/2 months old then.
I haven't decided if I will sell him alone or as a pair.
If I sell him & the girl together, my Blue Showgirl rooster is left with only 1 female.

But I digress - here's the pics

The pair

The pullet

cockerel

kenya · Post by **kenya** » Fri Jul 08, 2016 12:50 am

Ah yes the comb! Rotten luck.

Poultryprincess · Post by **Poultryprincess** » Fri Jul 08, 2016 12:54 am

But he is a Handsome devil, isn't he (*o*)