The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: WarescotFarm on July 26, 2012, 07:08:41 pm

Title: Silkie questions
Post by: WarescotFarm on July 26, 2012, 07:08:41 pm

I have a 4 week old silkie chick and a few questions...

1. How do you tell the sex?
2. When can I introduce it to the flock? -  it isn't on heat anymore, it lives in a ribbit hutch with a duckling so is used to being outside

Thanks  ;D

Title: Re: Silkie questions
Post by: in the hills on July 26, 2012, 10:22:29 pm

4 weeks is much too young to join the flock. Needs to be nearly fully grown/ near POL. Any younger and it will not be able to defend itself and could be injured or killed.


Have no experience with Silkies. Some breeds are easier to sex than others. Someone with experience of this breed maybe able to help you.

Title: Re: Silkie questions
Post by: Sylvia on July 27, 2012, 07:57:32 am

Silkies are difficult to sex especially if you only have one. If you have several you can see differences. You'll have to wait and see if it srarts crowing or not at about  -+ 16 weeks.
Meanwhile I should get a couple of chicks of the same age to keep it company, even if you only borrow them :chook:

Title: Re: Silkie questions
Post by: omnipeasant on July 27, 2012, 08:24:42 am

Ahhh love silkie chicks. :love: Wrap it in cotton wool and keep it safe. Only joking but don't let the big guys at him yet.

Title: Re: Silkie questions
Post by: plt102 on August 01, 2012, 05:26:32 pm

We have a silkie hen and a cockeral. They do look very similar apart from his comb and wattles. Wait till it crows, although you might blink and miss it as our boy hardly makes a noise. Silkies are very docile so be alert for trouble when you introduce them to your flock. Good luck x