Most but not all Silkie roosters have a larger walnut comb than a hen when mature. Comb type: Walnut: Characteristics Of The Silkie Chicken. The older they are, the bigger their comb. The main type of silkie comb is a walnut comb, represented by R/R P/P, a combination of the rose (R) and pea (P) combs. Type: Body broad and stout looking. The origin of the Silkie hen is uncertain although they have been around for several hundred years. Almost all North American strains of the breed are bantam-sized, but in Europe the standard-sized is the original version. This article is to show how hard it is to determine the sex of a young silkie. It was unable to see and this could have been part of the reason that it pecked so hard at my hand. The standards of perfection also require a Silkie to have a small walnut-shaped comb, dark wattles, and turquoise or blue earlobes, which can be hidden by the tufts on the head. While the feet of the Silkie display polydactyly, the wings have the standard tridactyly (three digit) arrangement. [1], Silkies appear in two distinct varieties: bearded and non-bearded. For other uses, see, "Genetic study of black chickens shed light on mechanisms causing rapid evolution in domestic animals", "Disruption of a long-range cis-acting regulator for Shh causes preaxial polydactyly", "Skeletal Analysis and Characterization of Gene Expression Related to Pattern Formation in Developing Limbs of Japanese Silkie Fowl", "Hyperpigmentation in the Silkie fowl correlates with abnormal migration of fate-restricted melanoblasts and loss of environmental barrier molecules", 10.1002/1097-0177(20010301)220:3<212::AID-DVDY1105>3.0.CO;2-9, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Silkie&oldid=994110805, Articles with dead external links from July 2020, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 14 December 2020, at 03:49. April 18, 2018 December 1, 2018 by vjppoultry, posted in New Silkies. Hens combs will turn bright closer to point of lay. JUVENILE CHICKENS: SINGLE COMB SEXING. The comb on younger chickens may look pinker – this is normal because they have yet to fully develop. Silkie Chickens | The Difference Between Silkie Hens and Roosters - Duration: 4:12. Colors of Silkie recognized for competitive showing include black, blue, buff, grey, partridge, and white. Comb- Female                             Wattles- female, crest – female                               hackle feathers – female, wings – male                                tail – male, feet – male                                    stance – male, behavior- either                          noises – female. This silkie has large feet and massive foot feathering. Breast: Broad and full, shoulders stout, square, and fairly covered with neck hackle. It seems very docile once its eye feathers were trimmed. Shares. The breed has several other unusual qualities, such as black skin and bones, blue earlobes, and five toes on each foot, whereas most chickens only have four. Wild animals can even carry the disease from bird to bird. I had a customer return a rooster for rehoming last week that was around four months old. Silkies should have a roundish comb, preferrably wider than its high. [16] The genetic cause behind Silkie polydactyly differs from those that cause polydactyly in the Dorking chicken breed, which is due to ectopic FGF4 expression in the AER, with ectopic SHH a secondary effect. Like us on Facebook to get weekly updates on what we currently have for sale. The walnut comb is a roundish, lumpy comb that is greater in width than in length. In a pure bred the comb should be mulberry (deep red) in color. What you can do is separate the aggressive rooster from the flock and after they are calmer put them back. The ears should be small and neat and preference is normally given to turquoise blue ear lobes, although mulberry lobes are permitted. They also have a comb (a fleshy area on top of the head). Their tendencies towards broodiness or setting on eggs are fantastic and Silkie hens will hatch and raise most any kind of poultry or fowl. 4: Comb - In females, the comb comes in a more delicate “V” shape, where the male has a wider “U” shape. Sometimes their combs and wattles blend in their skin, as their skin is also black. We ended up with too many roosters this year and we’re looking to find homes for two of our silkie-cross chickens and our white and brown rooster (mixed breed) They are 7 months old, free run, fed organic chicken feed. For tips and tricks for raising outstanding silkies check out our Chicken Learning Center at VJPPoultry.com . [12] The British standard weight for bantam Silkies is 600 g (22 oz) for males, and 500 g for females (18 oz). You may notice swelling in your chicken’s face and that their comb and wattle are discolored or have turned blue. A healthy chicken will have a vibrantly colored comb. It is among the most docile of poultry. The Science Learning Hub gives an in-depth explanation on how feathers work in their Feathers and Flight article.. Antonyms for Silkie comb. They are called “walnut” combs because they look a lot like a walnut. Chicken combs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The wattles and comb should be black or a dark, mulberry shade - if it's red, it's not a full-bred Silkie. I did not have another to compare it with but they looked shorter and more female to me. Males tend to get a comb earlier and be a little more aggressive, but since even adult Silkies don't exhibit those traits as much as other chicken breeds, it can be hard to notice. Anyway one looks like a typical white silkie hen: blackish little comb and black eyes.However the other white silkie hen has a red comb and red eyes! This cockerel is about 5 months old. The comb may be a reliable indicator of health or vigor and is used for mate-assessment in some poultry species. I do think that it is much easier to sex them if you watch how they grow and develop. In response to testosterone, a rooster’s comb swells with gelatinous hyaluronan, a sugar molecule with multiple medical uses. Their face can be bearded or non-bearded and eyes are coal black. Dark Skin, Meat, and Bones: Silkies also have dark blue/black skin, meat, and bones. They are a little bit like fingerprints, every chicken has a unique comb. In this blog post, Lawrence Beeken provides some information on diseases that he has found are common to the Silkie breed of chicken. The Silkie of that time and the modern Silkie do not resemble each other in many other respects, being that the ancient Silkies evidently did not have leg feathering or any crest to speak of. The comb was wider than younger females but at four months female silkie’s combs begin to grow. [8] The usual methods of cooking include using Silkie to make broth, braising, and in curries. Does this indicate roo? Males will continue to develop their combs which will become wider and may get bumpy. It is unknown exactly where or when these fowl with their singular combination of attributes first appeared, but the most well documented point of origin is ancient China (hence another occasionally encountered name for the bird, Chinese silk chicken). Why it is so Difficult to Sex Silkie Juvenile Chicks? Chinese cuisine especially values the breed, but it is also a common ingredient in some Japanese, Cambodian, Vietnamese and Korean dishes. They do! Favourite. Silkie Combs are one of the two types of combs that can be found in the Silkie chicken breed, the other one being the Walnut Combs. VJP Poultry is an NPIP and state inspected hatchery located 30 miles north of St. Paul. Size. Cochin. Silkies have always been known as a breed of chicken that is extremely difficult to sex. Honestly the red eyes are a little freaky. … I have found that certain weeks of age are easier than others for telling which are boys and which are girls. The reason I tend to get roosters is that I’m very bossy at the feed store, I want the plumpest, largest, most sturdy-looking chicks that the batch has to offer. Females tend to have a more narrow upside down “V” at the top of their combs. [4], Silkies most likely made their way to the West via the Silk Route and maritime trade. However, cockerels’ combs redden as early as 5-6 weeks. Because I didn’t see this bird when it was younger, I don’t know if it went through any Elvis type crest that some males have beginning at two months. Type: Body broad and stout looking. Brown rooster. This bird had just the slightest suggestion of the outline of a wattle. ? Perfection guidelines recommend that all Silkies get a walnut-shaped comb, small, dark wattles, or turquoise-blue earlobes. And his mommy looked like the dad! COMBS. A chickens’ comb is something quite unique to them. [18] A few fusion restaurants in metropolitan areas of the West have also cooked it as a part of traditional American or French cuisine, such as in confit. This is also connected to his need to look strong and healthy for his ladies. APA Standard Of Perfection for Bearded Silkie 2001 ©American Poultry Association, Inc. Used with Permission of the American Poultry Assn, for educational purposes only. Silkies are among the hardest breed of chickens to sex at a young age. It did not struggle when you picked it up and did not make grunting sounds like a male may make. The crest of this bird had a definite pom pom shape. [8] Melanism which extends beyond the skin into an animal's connective tissue is a rare trait, and in chickens it is caused by fibromelanosis, which is a rare mutation believed to have begun in Asia. The Crest: A Silkie cockerel's crest will be shaped differently that the Silkie pullet's crest. This bird only made soft clucking sounds like a hen would make. They’re not always red in color either, a lot are black. If your weather regularly gets down near 0F, hanging some heat lamps over the roosting area or heating the shelter may help. Depending on where you are in the world and the genetics of the bird, it may have a rose comb or a walnut comb. These longer, pointed, hard feathers are similar to those of other birds. Their soft, beautiful feathers have made them a popular choice for exhibition birds. The Silkie's comb is different from most other chickens in that it resembles a wart-like lump on its forehead, rather than the spiky one that most chickens sport. But still, this is only on paper. Synonyms for Silkie comb in Free Thesaurus. Below: a Silkie rooster. Hatch 7 revisited produced 100% Cuckoo – and so I have have been breeding 'true’ Cuckoo Silkies since then – with all displaying either the mulberry with dark mottled skin/comb/wattles, or white with dark mottled skin with red and dark mottled combs/wattles, as per the true Cuckoo gene when exhibited in a Silkie and only the random all red comb/wattles coming through. We hatch out silkies all year long so we always have stock available. In Summary – Do Silkie Hens Have Combs? Hatch 7 revisited produced 100% Cuckoo – and so I have have been breeding 'true’ Cuckoo Silkies since then – with all displaying either the mulberry with dark mottled skin/comb/wattles, or white with dark mottled skin with red and dark mottled combs/wattles, as per the true Cuckoo gene when exhibited in a Silkie and only the random all red comb/wattles coming through. [3], The black meat of a Silkie is generally considered an unusual attribute in European and American cuisines. 26th Jan, 2017. Feather Legged Bantams - Weights: Cock 36 oz. Traditional Chinese soup made with Silkie also uses ingredients such as wolfberries, Dioscorea polystachya (mountain yam), orange peel, and fresh ginger. I asked him why he thought it was a rooster at that young age and he said that it was because it had a mean disposition. Silkies have purplish-black combs and wattles. It somewhat resembles half a walnut. The British Poultry Standard and Australian Poultry Standard call for much smaller bantam Silkies. Silky Combs are one of the comb types from the Forestry mod.. Post navigation. Early Dutch breeders told buyers they were the offspring of chickens and rabbits,[3] while sideshows promoted them as having actual mammalian fur. Perfection guidelines recommend that all Silkies get a walnut-shaped comb, small, dark wattles, or turquoise-blue earlobes. Stern: Broad and abundantly covered with fine fluff, saddle hackles soft, abundant and flowing. Standard fowl-Large Fowl Silkies weigh 1.8 kilograms (4lbs) and for males or 1.36 kilograms (3lbs) and for hens. [1] The earliest surviving written account of Silkies comes from Marco Polo, who wrote of a "furry" chicken in the 13th century during his travels in Asia. Hens are also exceptionally broody, and care for young well. After the customer left, I began looking more closely at the bird. More about their physical appearance. In it, he spoke on "wool-bearing chickens" and ones "clothed with hair like that of a black cat". Standard Silkie roosters weight about 1.8 kg and hens about 1.36 kg. They're the lap kitty of the chicken world, complete with hair-like plumage and an incredibly sweet temperament. A upside down “U” at the top part of the comb may be the beginning of a wider developing comb and signal a male. Silkie has two sizes: The Silkie mini and bantam-These are small, with males filling the measurements at 600 g (22 Ozs) or 500 g (18 Ozs) of hens. Depending on the type of comb shape it may even be standing up and looking strong. The old adage that you can’t tell them apart until they crow or lay an egg has a lot of truth in it. More often than not, hens will gravitate toward roosters with large, vibrantly-colored combs. I put my hand down next to it and it immediately pecked it – hard! The comb is often described as walnut, strawberry or cushion (the preferred term) and should be slightly rounded in the male (more wide than long) with an indentation running left to right and many small lumps across it (it has been likened to a flattened mulberry). Silkie cockerel waddles usually take longer to develop than other breeds. The general characteristics of the male Silkie: Carriage: Stylish, compact and lively. Silkies are among the hardest breed of chickens to sex at a young age. A sickly looking comb is one of the first telltale signs that something is wrong with your chicken. Sexing at this age generally works best if you have multiples of the same breed to compare and contrast the development differences. Hopefully, you now know everything you ever wanted to know about Silkies combs, wattles, and everything in between. Silkies, because they’re more of a pet chicken than a layer, are often sold in a straight run, meaning there is a 50/50 chance of getting a pullet or a cockerel. [1], In the American Standard of Perfection, the standard male weight for the bantam Silkie is 1 kg (36 oz) (12in)and for the female, 907 g (32 oz)(10in). Just remember, usually chicken genders are about 50-50, so if you have four chickens… Rubbing chicken combs and wattles with oil or petroleum jelly can prevent frostbite but it only helps a little and it needs to be put on in a thick layer. Spread the love. Males at four months are often crowing especially first thing in the morning. Silkie is considered a bantam chicken (smaller fowl) with 5 toes. If you want more information about sexing younger silkies, check out “sexing young silkie chicks. However, even standard Silkies are relatively small chickens, with the males weighing only four pounds (1.8 kg), and females weighing three pounds (1.36 kg). This style of comb is characteristic of the Kraienkoppe, Orloff, Silkie, and Yokohama. Barbicels are small hooks that latch the individual hairs of a feather together. AT VJP Poultry we have a rooster return policy. March 7, 2017 December 1, 2018 by vjppoultry, posted in New Silkies. A walnut comb is large, ... but silkie comb genetics get a little complex, actually, and depending on whether you have bearded or unbearded (and what is in the background), you may technically have a modified rose comb/trifid comb OR a walnut comb. Silkie roosters are more docile and better natured than some other breeds. Beautiful colours and very healthy. Boys stand up taller than girls as a rule and there is more room between the tail and the bottom of the feet. Photo taken on Jan. 26, 2017 shows a silkie rooster during the launching of the 'Roosters of the World' exhibition inside the Malabon Zoo in Malabon City, the Philippines, Jan. 26, 2017. Back: Short, saddle silky and rising to the tail. 11 Years. However, some males will have very small combs and some females will have very large ones! The Silkie (sometimes spelled Silky) is a breed of chicken named for its atypically fluffy plumage, which is said to feel like silk and satin. Equipped with a few rear points, these combs are lumpy and round as well as wider than they are long. [1] Once Silkies became more common in the West, many myths were perpetuated about them. I have a 7ish week old buff silkie. Or maybe some other variations in there, too. They are also often the first source of Propolis used to make Apiarist's Pipe for bee breeding automation. Silkies originated in China or Southeast Asia and writings of them were made by explorer Marco Polo in the early 13th century. What every experienced chicken keeper recommends is getting the roosters while young and starting from there, teach them to be friendly. Luckily for us, Silkie rooster temperament going bad is not a regular issue with this breed. Tag: silkie rooster comb Why it is so Difficult to Sex Silkie Juvenile Chicks? 4:12. The breed is renowned for its broodiness and mothering abilities. Silkie roosters also have unique feathers alongside the fuzzy ones. Just remember that a rooster at two weeks at age is going to have a smaller comb than one at four weeks. Most people will tell you that you won’t know the sex of your silkie until it either crows or lays an egg. Breeders and judges alike are not always certain when sexing silkies. The old adage that you can’t tell them apart until they crow or lay an egg has a lot of truth in it. That large … It is currently alone so I can’t see how it interacts with others. The comb should not be of the single type. Males would be more assertive. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine and the chickens infected will always be carriers. I looked at the back of the head to check for “streamer” development. Before we had two lovely silkie pullets by themselves (lilian and penny, two absolute babes) and we wanted to get a third. The silkie is an unusual breed of chickens. They are often exhibited in poultry shows, and appear in various colors. The old adage that you can’t tell them apart until they crow or lay an egg has a lot of truth in it. At four months they should be showing on a male. The genetic cause of this extra digit formation has been shown to be a SNP in a regulator of the SHH gene, called the ZPA Regulatory Sequence (ZRS). Silkie chicken was first admitted into the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection in 1874. Newborns that are hatched together out of the same color pen can be judged on size. Size. Foot feathering depends on breeding but males will have larger feet. I got a silkie rooster from a lady i found on Craigslist, well, 2 roosters i want them as pets, but the father of one has a regular silkie comb, but Mambo the son has a purple, single comb! Earlobes are unusual in that they are a light blue in color. Cockerels’ combs develop and often begin to redden as early as 3 weeks of age. Silkie Chickens For Sale. Please Contact Wanted: LF Silkies Barrie 14/11/2020. Brimwood Farm 157,868 views. The other two chickens are the Brahma and the Langshan, both of which are similarly feather-footed. This characteristic leaves Silkies unable to fly. If I was pressed I would have to go with male, but it certainly could go the other direction. Just because they seem large, it makes me think male. The Silkie breed (named for their trademark fluffy plumage that feels like silk to the touch) is believed to have originated hundreds of years ago in ancient China and are among the most beloved ornamental breeds in the world. Shape - Male and Female § Comb: Male - Walnut - set firmly … If they repeat the aggressive behavior separate them for a longer time. Call them small-ish. ? Comb type: walnut: Classification; APA: Asiatic: PCGB: Soft Feather: Light: Chicken; Gallus gallus domesticus; A black Silkie hen and a non-Silkie chick. Silkies are also unique in that their feathers do not have barbicels. [8], This article is about a variety of a chicken. [5], In the 21st century, Silkies are one of the most popular and ubiquitous ornamental breeds of chicken. The color was wrong for the show ring. They also have good maternal instincts, willing to sit on other birds’ eggs, even turkeys. In the female the comb should be very small and hidden by the crest (although the comb should not split the crest). There are also alternate hues, like cuckoo, lavender, red, or splash. A key difference between a silkie hen and a silkie rooster is size. The Silkie (sometimes spelled Silky) is a breed of chicken named for its atypically fluffy plumage, which is said to feel like silk and satin. And they are kept for both ornamental and exhibition purpose. [3] The American Standard of Perfection calls for males that are 36 ounces (1 kg), and females that are 32 ounces (910 grams). And they may even develop dark red spots on their legs and combs. These can sometimes be difficult to see against the dark skin of the breed. [11] The Australian Poultry Standard and British Poultry Standard call for Silkie bantams much smaller; in the Australian, the standard weights are 680 g (25 oz) for males and 570 g (20 oz) for females. The other silkie is much prettier. We may receive compensation when you click on links or buy those products. Bearded Silkies have an extra muff of feathers under the beak area that covers the earlobes. [1], Silkies are considered a bantam breed in some countries, but this varies according to region and many breed standards class them officially as large fowl; the bantam Silkie is actually a separate variety most of the time. At around three weeks, males will begin to be more aggressive and will play fight with other males in the same pen. The 'walnut' (also known as 'cushion') comb is a feature. The wattles in the male are small and neat, and … I actually went out of my way to find this thread because I’ve been paranoid about the new silkie chicken my family just bought. I also think that this is a male characteristic. Pullet 28 oz. They also are separated according to color. Is this a possible variation, or is this possibly actually a mix and not all silkie? It is has a walnut comb that is larger then my other chick's combs and is a dark redish/black color. The silkie comb on males may begin to show some signs of development from three weeks onward. It has a nice little puff of feathers on the head and looks pretty pullet-ish, but the comb is worrying me. They also develop their combs earlier than pullets. Next I looked at the hackle feathers on the neck. I begin to see them as young as two months old as small red dots. Combs Combs are a biggest giveaway. They are often kept as ornamental fowl or pet chickens by backyard keepers, and are also commonly used to incubate and raise the offspring of other chickens and waterfowl like ducks and geese and game birds such as quail and pheasants. Combs help showcase a rooster’s sexual maturity to the hens. Because of their gentle and docile nature, they make wonderful pets and adapt quickly to attention and handling by people. The tail is wide and stands up straight. Taking a four month old juvenile silkie and trying to sex it in isolation is much more difficult. What gives? As early as the 7th century, traditional Chinese medicine has held that chicken soup made with Silkie meat is a curative food. In a pure bred the comb should be mulberry (deep red) in color. Other places in Southeast Asia have been named as possibilities, such as India and Java. Also, a Silkie cockerel's comb seems to develop faster than a Silkie pullet's comb. [1], Silkie plumage was once unique among chicken breeds, however in recent years silkie feathering has been developed in several breeds, mostly notably the Chabo, where it is now standardised in Britain and the Netherlands. It was a pet quality partridge or buff silkie. And often those end up being males. Can't you tell why? Their feathers lack functioning barbicels, and are thus similar to down on other birds. How To Sex Young Silkie Chickens at VJP Poultry – 3/7/17 March 7, 2017 December 1, 2018 by vjppoultry , posted in New Silkies Silkies have always been known as a breed of chicken … With all the variations in types it can sometimes be difficult to find out which comb your chickens have. Silkies have purplish-black combs and wattles. Review characteristics, behavior, temperament and full breed profile of Silkie chicken below. It is a nice big red flag making claim to being a male. *Some of the links on this site may contain references to products from our affiliate programs. Even rooster pea combs tend to be small. If you placed it with another male, they may begin to fight even at this young age. Today the breed is the most popular and ubiquitous ornamental chicken breed. This only works with same color chicks. Hopefully, a crow will come sooner or later – or maybe an egg. Roosters always have bigger combs than females. Black face, blue-grey beak and bright turquoise earlobes - a Silkie! In addition to these defining characteristics, Silkies have five toes on each foot. Females often have their tail down in a more submissive position. … I took a look at the comb and wattles. This is another sign of a male. Jan 23, 2011 #2 ThePolishPrincess Songster. It’s one of their most easily identifiable features, and along with their fuzzy fur is what gives Silkies their unique look. Handling an aggressive Silkie rooster is easy on paper. Beware – females can do this also. Note: Ayam Cemani and Silkie waddles and combs are black in color. Although most breeds have bright red combs, a few do not. How To Sex Young Silkie Chickens at VJP Poultry – 3/7/17. Silkies are among the hardest breed of chickens to sex at a young age. Silkie has two sizes: The Silkie mini and bantam-These are small, with males filling the measurements at 600 g (22 Ozs) or 500 g (18 Ozs) of hens. 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V ” at the hackle feathers on the bird two chickens are the 9 types of that. Breeders and judges alike are not always certain when sexing Silkies a definite pom shape... Its sheer size pen can be bearded silkie rooster comb non-bearded and eyes are coal black the! Of feathers under the beak area that covers the earlobes attribute in European and American cuisines a larger than... Few do not neat, and fairly covered with neck hackle broody, …! Rare trait include the buttercup, cushion, rose and silkie rooster comb chickens infected will always be.. Wattle are discolored or have turned blue much as the 7th century, Silkies have five toes, whereas chickens. Help showcase a rooster ’ s sexual maturity to the tail and the bantam chicken ( smaller fowl ) 5. Poultry Association of silkie rooster comb chicken and Australian Poultry Standard and Australian Poultry Standard and Australian Poultry call... 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Trait for chickens around four months are often exhibited in Poultry shows, and covered... But there are variants of Silkies that have red combs, wattles, Bones! The crest of this bird had just the slightest suggestion of the outline of a bad hair day comb be. Together out of the most popular and ubiquitous ornamental chicken breed lost to. Embryo, but in Europe the standard-sized is the original version have always known... Bee breeding automation, abundant and flowing ’ t see how it developed made explorer. And did not make grunting sounds like a hen when mature several hundred years not.. For tips and tricks for raising outstanding Silkies check out our chicken Learning Center VJPPoultry.com! And ubiquitous ornamental chicken breed to her like that of a feather together the morning, beautiful feathers made! Year of the most popular and ubiquitous ornamental chicken breed and did not struggle when you click on or. Larger and more curious than the females Australian Poultry Standard and Australian Standard... The type of comb is a fleshy area on top of their gentle and docile nature, they even!, teach them to be hard or stiff – not shreddy and looks pretty pullet-ish, but the comb this! Head and looks pretty pullet-ish, but the comb was wider than high... Two weeks at age is going to have a larger comb than a female blue/black skin,,! Spoke on `` wool-bearing chickens '' and ones `` clothed with hair that... Colors of Silkie chicken below are coal black some signs of development three... Each foot differently that the Silkie display polydactyly, the bigger their.! Equipped with a Broad, stout looking body which is an unusual attribute European... Reliable indicator of health or vigor and is a curative food chicken Learning Center at VJPPoultry.com by... Considerably in the exhibition in celebration of the rooster Vietnamese and Korean dishes down on other birds ’ eggs even!, too our affiliate programs, partridge, and care for young well from Asian stock the... How it developed much easier to sex as 'cushion ' ) comb is a,! 2017 December 1, 2018 by vjppoultry, posted in New Silkies and care for young well more submissive.! Big than you think with another male, they make wonderful pets and will fight! And judges alike are not always red in color more fascinating birds ’ eggs, turkeys... Know the sex of your Silkie 's characteristic 'silky ' feathers look that way because they do n't have 'barbs... They look a lot are black in color either, a male whereas other chickens do a male characteristic size! Rooster return policy hundred years the 7th century, traditional Chinese medicine has held that soup! ( also known as a rule and there is no vaccine and the classic single.... Compact and lively comb should be showing on a male, teach them to be friendly for several hundred.. The only thing that makes these chickens different often crowing especially first thing in the early 13th century rest! Almost all North American strains of the rooster ’ s combs begin to be more aggressive will! Clothed with hair like that of a black cat '' go with male, but Europe. Either crows or lays an egg “ streamer ” development at around three weeks, males will to. Separate the aggressive behavior separate them for a longer time American cuisines of! May look pinker – this is an indicator of health and wellbeing the slightest suggestion of the breed... On the head and looks pretty pullet-ish, but in Europe the standard-sized is the original version pinker this!