Help - have we accidentally got a roo?

[Debbie292d]

Picked up three silkies this week they are around 17-20 weeks.

Noticed the blue one is slightly larger and looks different although they have less beard too. The comb and wattles are concerning me. Also seems the most confident and least affectionate of the bunch. We aren’t first time chicken owners but are first time silkie owners so weren’t aware how hard they are to sex -all three were sold as females.

We’ve arranged to take blue one to breeder to get an opinion and switch for a female but we are starting to get attached we can’t have a rooster though so can’t risk it. Keeping them seperate for now from other chickens and all 3 are very quiet no crowing.

What do you guys think?

Combs and tails are the first things, then the hackles.

Your blue one is a rooster.

Comb: Is a walnut. Females get them too but not this large.
Tail: Is messy, hens are neat and aim out or down, not up.
Hackles: Feathers on the back of their necks. Males get them, and this one's got them. Female's poofs are poofier and defined, whereas roosters poofs will blend down with the hackles.

 

[Spb25]

Combs and tails are the first things, then the hackles.

Your blue one is a rooster.

Comb: Is a walnut. Females get them too but not this large.
Tail: Is messy, hens are neat and aim out or down, not up.
Hackles: Feathers on the back of their necks. Males get them, and this one's got them. Female's poofs are poofier and defined, whereas roosters poofs will blend down with the hackles.

Thank you so much for the detailed response! He’s going back on Friday our neighbours would kill us even if he’s a quieter one!

 

[Spb25]

Something to look for with your next purchase:

Pure bred Silkies (Chinese) should have black skin everywhere on their bodies and on the inside too. And they do have blueish earlobes.

Siamese Silkies have normal colored skin, so their faces and wattles will be pink/red.

Oh wow I knew they had black skin but presumed the red was normal in in places. This is so interesting. They are a funny little breed I’m learning so much!