When it comes to poultry lover and backyard chicken keepers, Silkie chickens are always chosen due it’s 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 known for their soft, fluffy feathers and gentle temperament. They come in both rooster and hen varieties, and they have some key differences between the silkie roosters and hens.
Here is a simple table comparing the key 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
Here are some of the key differences in appearance between Silkie rooster Vs hen:
Size and Weight:
Silkie roosters are typically larger than silkie hens, growing to be 12-14 inches tall and weighing 2-4 pounds, while Silkie hens typically grow to be 8-10 inches tall and weigh 1-2 pounds. The size and body weigh can vary that is depending on many factors.
Wattles and Combs:
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:
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.
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2) Silkie Rooster vs Hen: Temperament
Silkie roosters and hens are known for their gentle temperaments. However, there are 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 docile 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.
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3) Purpose
When we talk about Silkie rooster Vs hen, they both have their own jobs or provide individual and multiple benefits into the backyard flocks. Let’s see what they do!
Silkie Roosters:
- Protecting Friends: Roosters keep a watchful eye out for danger. If they see something scary, they let everyone know with their loud calls. This helps keep the group safe.
- Sorting Things Out: Roosters are like the leaders. They make sure everyone knows who is in charge and who gets to do what. This can sometimes lead to a little arguing among the chickens.
- Making Baby Chicks: Roosters have a special job in making baby chicks. They have to be with the hens to help make eggs that can grow into baby chicks.
- Morning Calls: We all know that “cock-a-doodle-doo!” sound in the morning. That’s the rooster saying “Good morning!” to everyone.
Silkie Hens:
- Egg Laying: Hens are egg factories. They lay eggs that we can eat. Silkies don’t lay as many eggs as some other chickens, but the eggs they lay are special and yummy.
- Loving Moms: Hens are like super moms. When they sit on 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 Patrol: Hens are great at finding bugs and eating them. This helps keep the garden healthy and bug-free.
- Nice Friends: Hens are friendly and fun to be around. They like to scratch the ground and hang out with people too.
4) Egg Production
The biggest difference between Silkie rooster Vs hen is that only hens can lay eggs, but Silkie roosters and hens have different jobs when it comes to eggs. Let’s find out who does what!
Read More About: 5 Best Egg Laying Chicken Breeds
Silkie Hens:
- Egg Superstars: Hens are the egg experts. They have spot called nest where they lay eggs. These are the eggs we eat for breakfast or use in recipes.
- Egg Colors: Silkie hens’ eggs are a pretty creamy color. They might be a bit smaller than regular eggs, but they taste just as good.
- Egg Layers: Silkies are known for their fluffiness and being good moms, but they don’t lay eggs as often as other chickens. You might get a few eggs (100 to 140 eggs per year) from them, but not as many.
Silkie Roosters:
- No Egg Laying: Silkie roosters don’t lay eggs. It’s not their job. They have different things to do in the group, like keeping everyone safe and sometimes helping make baby chicks.
- Helping Out: Roosters help in making eggs by being around the hens. They make sure the eggs can turn into baby chicks if you want to hatch them.
5) Silkie Rooster vs Hen: Lifespan
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 different factors. If you are considering getting a Silkie rooster, it is important to keep their lifespan in mind.
Generally, Silkie hens are live longer than 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 for a long time, then a hen may be a good choice.
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6) Which is the better choice for you?
Choosing between a Silkie rooster and a Silkie hen, it’s totally depending on what you’re looking for in your backyard or farm. As they both have individual jobs that 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 docile 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 to consider your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a chicken that will crow and protect your flock, then a Silkie rooster may be a good choice for you. If you are looking for a chicken that is docile and quiet, then a Silkie hen may be a better choice for you.
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Conclusion
In Conclusion, when it comes to picking between a Silkie rooster and a Silkie hen, think about what you want. If you want someone to protect and lead the flock, go for a rooster. But if you’re more into having eggs to eat and a gentle friend, a Silkie hen is the way to go. They’re good moms and can help keep bugs away. They’re also nice to hang out with.
Hopefully, all the doubt related Silkie Rooster Vs Hen is cleared, if you already have an experience with this chicken breed, then please drop your valuable feedback by commenting bellow and don’t forget to share this post with your friends or chicken lovers.
Hope This Helps! Thank you.
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.