Silkie bantam chickens are unique in the chicken world. The popular chicken breed possesses feathers that look like hair. They have black skin and bones, turquoise earlobes, and five toes on each foot. By the time chicks of most breeds are six weeks old, telling males from females is easy. Silkies, on the other hand, can take months to figure out, and have been known to fool even experienced breeders and exhibitors. Several traits may help solve the puzzle.
Instructions
1. Examine the head. Cockerels typically have larger combs than pullets. Non-bearded silkies may have considerably smaller or non-existent wattles. A pullet's head will be rounded. The male's should have a more swept-back look.
2. Examine the legs. Cockerels will develop spurs on their legs. Additionally, cockerel's legs should be more sturdy-looking than a pullet's.
3. Examine the feathers near the neck and tail. The hackle feathers around the neck will be longer and pointed at the tips in cockerels and rounded in pullets. Silkie cockerels will develop long, pointed saddle feathers above the tail, which may slightly cover the wings.
4. Examine the tail. Males typically have pointed tail feathers and may have normal-looking feathers in the tail. Females' tails will be rounder and softer.
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