What makes bantams claws different from normal LF chickens?

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nuzuki

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I have hatched some bantam chicks and have noticed they have an extra claw at the back of their leg that other chickens dont tend to have. So what makes them like this?

Also how can you sex bantam or silkie chickens when they dont have the bright red comb and wattles im used to seeing?

Thanks for any advice :)

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Elvira

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I think silkies are notoriously difficult to sex until they are POL? There can be a bit of a ruffle round the neck and head flicking which might suggest you have a cockerel.

We had a "hen" who in 10 days grew wattles, tail feathers and a comb and started to crow - we were away on holiday at the time so a rapid name change for him was needed when we got back!  :D

Silkies also have an extra toe which is peculiar to the breed.

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nuzuki

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I was given the eggs I hatched so dont know much about them but some have come out yellow and some black. The yellow feathered ones have pink or white skin and the black feathered ones have greyish or black skin. Its only the black skinned chicks that have the extra toe on the back of thier leg. The black ones are looking like they'll be difficult to sex. Some are developing a pinkish comb whereas others arent so im wondering if thats a way of telling. They are just over 2 weeks old at the most so its still difficult to tell but my other large fowl chicks I have been sexing at 3-4weeks old then seperating them for 3 weeks more just to be sure before culling.


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Elvira

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Sounds like your black ones are silkies particularly as they have grey/black skin and the extra toe.  Their (walnut like) comb and wattles would tend to be a black/purple colour but I don't think would be apparent in a chick (although I must admit that I have no experience of a male silkie chick under around 16 weeks - I tend to buy mine at POL). 

You might be lucky and there are signs of what sex they are at an earlier stage.  I don't know if a breeder of silkies might be able to help you out?

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splash101

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If you google "sexing your silkies pictures and tips" there is some info on there. You may have to wait until they are a bit older.

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nuzuki

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Thanks for the replies

Here are some of the links I found.

LINK1

LINK2

LINK3

Looks like I have to wait 8 weeks minimum
« Last Edit: May 14, 2013, 11:23 by ANHBUC »

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ANHBUC

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Shortened the links for you nuzuki.   ;)

Look like you will have your work cut out even after 8 weeks!   :unsure:
Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens!
Bagpuss RIP 1992 - June 2012, 1 huge grass carp (RIP "Jaws" July 2001 - December 2011), 4 golden orfe, 1 goldfish and 1 fantail fish (also huge)! plus 4 Italian quail, 1 Japanese quail, 1 Rosetta quail.

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Elvira

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Interesting links! My "hen" was 16-18 weeks old when "she" became a "he".  She was a bit butch as a hen (big feet!) but there again I had another cockerel (Napoleon) who was smaller than the hens.  That's part of the joy of owning silkies!!  :D

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ANHBUC

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My smallest of 4 young bantams has just started to crow and show the ladies some affection.   ::)  The other 3 are still quiet and more interested in play fighting.


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