How Can I Tell a Silkie Hen From a Rooster?

Silkies are an Asian bantam breed. Captured in Chinese legend and in the writings of Marco Polo, these birds are renowned for their hair-like feathers which resemble the fur of an angora rabbit. This is due to their plumage lacking barbs. Silkies are friendly, fluffy, docile chickens that shine in the show ring as well as the backyard. Noted for their dark skin, blue earlobes and round fluffy shapes that encourages cuddling, this breed is called a true "lap" chicken. It's very hard not to smile around this "furry" bird. Silkies display the same sex characteristics of any other breed of chicken and the hen and rooster, or cock (standard term for males over one-year), are differentiated by appearance. Silkie cocks are similar in behavior, feathering and communication as males of other breeds.

Things You'll Need

  • Silkie hen and rooster
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Deportment for the hen and cock (rooster) vary. The cock stands with a noble carriage and has a broad breast, puffed and raised from the ground --- rather like a courting pigeon. Wings of the cock are held at a distinct slant with longer primary feathers. Watch the more soft carriage of the hen with the body held more horizontally and closer to the ground. Notice the difference in bearing as the hen does not carry herself with the upright posture of the rooster.

    • 2

      Note the feathering differences as the hen has a full, round crest without the streamers of the cock. Hens do not have a saddle or a full sweeping tail. Cock neck feathers are long and pointed and are called the hackle. The shank of the cock has spurs and his comb is larger and more prominent than on the hen.

    • 3

      Notice that the hen clucks and speaks with a "conversational" tone. Listen for typical hen-styled clucking. Rooster vocalizations are deeper, less "clucky" and the rooster crows, "pips" over food and engages in the greeting dance (all typical male expressions).