When it comes to poultry lover and backyard chicken keepers, Silkie chickens are always chosen because of their unique appearance. If you also thinking of raising silkie chicken breed, let’s understanding the Silkie rooster Vs hen, which will help you to decide which one is right for you and your backyard flock.
Silkie Rooster vs Hen
Silkie chickens are very popular breed of chicken, they are known for their soft, fluffy feathers and gentle temperament. They come in both male and female (rooster and hen) varieties, and they have some key differences and role in the flock.
However, here is a simple table that comparing some major differences between: Silkie rooster Vs hen:
Characteristic | Silkie Rooster | Silkie Hen |
---|---|---|
Size | Larger | Smaller |
Weight | 2-4 pounds | 1-2 pounds |
Wattles and Combs | Larger | Smaller |
Feathers | Longer feathers, especially tail feathers | Shorter feathers |
Behavior | More aggressive, more likely to crow | More docile, less likely to crow |
Space requirements | More space needed | Less space needed |
Noise level | Noisier | Quieter |
Temperament | Can be aggressive | Typically more docile |
Egg production | Lays a small number of eggs | Lays a small number of eggs |
1) Silkie Rooster vs Hen: Appearance
There are many major differences between these two gender and also there has many different role in the flock. Here are some of the key differences in appearance between Silkie rooster Vs hen:
Size and Weight of silkie chicken:
Silkie roosters are typically larger than silkie hens, they can grow around 12-14 inches tall and weighing can be 2-4 pounds, while Silkie hens typically grow around 8-10 inches tall and weigh can be 1-2 pounds. The size and body weight can vary, which is depending on many factors.
Wattles and Combs of silkie chicken:
Silkie roosters have larger wattles and combs than Silkie hens. The wattle is the fleshy growth that hangs under the chicken’s beak, and the comb is the fleshy growth on top of the chicken’s head. Roosters’ wattles and combs are often red or pink, while hens’ wattles and combs are often smaller and paler.
Feathers and Wings of silkie chicken:
Silkie roosters have longer feathers than silkie hens. This is especially true of the rooster’s tail feathers, which can be quite long and flowing. Silkie hens also have long feathers, but they are not as long as the roosters.
On the other hand, Silkie roosters have larger wings than silkie hens. This is because the rooster’s wings need to be large enough to support his larger body. Silkie hens also have large wings, but they are not as large as the rooster’s.
2) Silkie Rooster vs Hen: Temperament
Silkie roosters and hens are known for their gentle and very polite temperaments. However, some there can be seen some key differences in their personalities.
Silkie roosters are typically more docile than other breeds of roosters. However, they can still be aggressive if they feel threatened or if they are not properly socialized. They are also more likely to crow than silkie hens.
Silkie hens are typically even more polite than silkie roosters. They are gentle and loving, and they make good pets for families. They are also less likely to crow than silkie roosters.
3) Purpose of Silkie Chickens ((Rooster Vs Hen):
When we talk about Silkie rooster Vs hen, they both have their own jobs and roles which provide individual and multiple benefits into the backyard flocks. Let’s see what they do!
Silkie Roosters:
- Protecting Nature: Roosters keep eyes out for danger. If they see something wrong is going to happen, they let everyone know with their loud calls. This helps keep the group safe.
- Fertilize eggs: Roosters have a special job in fertilize the eggs lays by hens. They have to be with the hens to make eggs fertile that can grow into baby chicks.
- Morning Calls: We all know that roosters are crow in the morning, that’s basically say Good morning to everyone.
Silkie Hens:
- Egg Laying: Hens are egg factories. They lay eggs that we can eat.
- Loving Moms: Hens are like super moms. When they sit on their eggs, they keep them warm until they hatch into baby chicks. And when the chicks are born, the hens take good care of them.
- Bug control: Hens are great at finding bugs and eating them. This helps keep the garden healthy and bug-free.
Read More About: 5 Best Egg Laying Chicken Breeds
4) Lifespan of silkie chickens (Rooster Vs Hen):
The average lifespan of a Silkie rooster is 5-7 years. However, some roosters may live longer, up to 10 years. However, the lifespan of a rooster can shorter or it can be longer that is totally depends on some factors.
On the other hand, Silkie hens are live longer than the roosters. The average lifespan of a Silkie hen is 7-9 years. However, some hens may live longer, up to 12 years. If you want a chicken that will be around you for a long time, then a hen may be good choice.
5) Which is the better choice for you?
Choosing between a Silkie rooster and a Silkie hen, it’s totally depending on what you are looking for in your backyard or farm. As they both have individual jobs and roles, which will provide multiple benefits in their flock and your chicken keeping journey.
Silkie Rooster
Pros:
- Can be protectors of their flock
- Can be good pets for families
- Are typically more polite in nature than other breeds of roosters
Cons:
- Can be aggressive, especially if not properly socialized
- May crow, which can be a nuisance to neighbors
- Need more space than hens
Silkie Hen
Pros:
- Are typically more docile than roosters
- Are less likely to crow
- Are good pets for families
- Lay eggs
Cons:
- May not be as protective of their flock as roosters
- May not be as good at deterring predators as roosters
Ultimately, the best way to decide whether to get a Silkie rooster or hen is depending on your individual needs and preferences. You can choose both rooster and hens (Ration 1:10) for your backyard flock, which will help you to extend your flock.
Read More: Most Common Chicken Diseases
Conclusion
In Conclusion, when it comes to picking between a Silkie rooster and Silkie hen, think about what you want. If you looking only for egg production than you should keep maximum numbers of hens in your flock. While, If you want their meat or to extend your flock, than go with rooster also.
FAQs
Q1: Do Silkie roosters crow?
Yes, Silkie roosters can crow. However, they are not as loud as other breeds of roosters.
Q2: Are Silkie roosters aggressive?
Silkie roosters are typically more docile than other breeds of roosters. However, they can still be aggressive, especially if they are not properly socialized or if they feel threatened.
Q3: Can you keep 2 Silkie roosters together?
Yes, you can keep two Silkie roosters together.
Q4: Can you stop a Silkie rooster from crowing?
Stopping a Silkie rooster from crowing entirely is quite challenging because crowing is a natural behavior and communication method for roosters.