How to Sex Silkie Chickens:
Adult Silkie Roosters are easily distinguishable by their:
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Adult Silkie Hens have the following attributes:
- Ideally a large "pom-pom" on the head. Some hens have smaller, cone shaped head feathers & this is not considered Australian breed standard.
- Smaller size & lighter weight than roosters.
- Shorter legs
- Docile behaviour & low aggression
- No crowing noises. A higher pitched voice in general.
- Rounded tail with few hard feathers
- Comparatively small comb and wattles.
- No streamers growing from the back of the head.
Sexing Juvenile Silkie Chickens - here's where it gets tricky!
Silkie chicks are notoriously hard to sex. By about 12 weeks of age we have started to see likely signs, but it's really not until 4-5 months that we can be absolutely sure. Hopefully this year we'll get our in-house DNA testing underway & be able to sell guaranteed females from feather samples.
Tips for spotting a juvenile Chinese Silkie Rooster:
This little dude (at 12 weeks) is showing signs of being a rooster.
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Tips for spotting a juvenile Chinese Silkie Hen: