Roosters are usually more aggressive than hens as they try to keep their hens safe and protect their territories. But what about the docile silkies? Are male silkies aggressive?
Due to their friendly nature, silkies are usually kept as pets because they’re cuddly, lovable, and easy to keep inside the house. These fluffy and friendly chickens make excellent pets because they don’t mind staying in your lap all day long.
However, things can get a little tricky if you have male silkies. Are they safe to be around children? Keep on reading to learn more about male silkies?
Are Male Silkies Aggressive?
Compared to other chicken breeds, the short answer is no. Male silkies are by far less aggressive than most other types of roosters. They would still protect their territory and act defensively if they feel that someone or something will attack their hens and eggs. However, these roosters are gentler than roosters of other breeds.
Silkies are among the fewest breeds that can be raised inside the house since they’re incredibly gentle. They like to follow their humans and will most likely try to please you like pets.
Silkies are usually attacked by other breeds that are bigger and stronger. However, in most cases, male silkies will stand up for their girls and try to defend them. Whether they succeed or not is questionable.
Nevertheless, you can still experience an exception, and you might end up with a slightly more aggressive rooster. Some male silkies will attack chickens from other breeds or even pick at humans.
Silkie males are less stubborn than males from other breeds. Their demeanor makes them perfect pets for children, newbies, and even families with special needs children. They also get along well with other pets (even cats) in the house.
In most cases, you can breed out the aggressiveness in silkies by paying attention to individual behaviors. Gentle parents are more likely to give birth to gentle chicks that grow up to be lovable roosters, which is extremely important if you’re raising silkies as pets, you can rest assured that they won’t attack anyone in the house.
How to Deal with An Aggressive Rooster?
Silkies are excellent pets, but some of them can be a little bit more aggressive than other chickens. There are a few things that you can do to handle an aggressive male silkie.
- Wear the right clothes before coming near an aggressive male silkie. Although these chickens are usually more docile than other breeds, they can still hurt you if they’re too aggressive. Wear thick jeans, tall boots, and gloves before handling an angry rooster.
- Getting your roosters from birth is usually easier. If you buy a grownup rooster, it might be a little challenging to change his behavior.
- If you’re experiencing aggressiveness from a slightly older rooster, you need to get him used to you. Your male silkie might be acting a little off because he doesn’t know you. Spend time with the rooster in his territory to make sure that he’s comfortable.
- Always double-check the origins of your chickens. Remember that some people used to breed chickens to fight with each other, and you need to get your chickens from a reliable source.
- Make sure that your rooster is as comfortable as possible. In most cases, aggressiveness and stubbornness are reactions to stress in the rooster’s environment. If the coop is too crowded, the rooster is attacked by other chickens, or if there isn’t enough food or water for everyone, your silkie rooster might start acting a little off.
- Check the coop to make sure that everything is fine. Check if the rooster has a comfortable spot to sleep and if the bedding is dry and comfortable. You should also make sure that the coop isn’t too hot or too cold.
- Changes in the pecking order or the rooster’s diet can cause stress and make the rooster more aggressive.
- Make sure that your male silkies have enough room to roam and play around. When they don’t get to channel their energy, roosters can get too aggressive and irritated.
- Because of the attention given to them, some silkies can get too spoiled. It’s recommended that you always show your roosters their place in the household by feeding them from your hand, so they understand that you’re in charge.
- You might want to have your rooster checked by the vet. Aggressive behavior can be a sign that there’s something wrong with your silkie.
- If a rooster is acting too aggressively, you might need to separate it from the rest of the flock. Keep the roaster alone for a few days, or until he has calmed down, then put him back with the rest of the group. If your rooster is still too aggressive, he might need to spend more time on his own.
- Chickens are smart creatures and might be able to sense your fear. Walk boldly and show the rooster that you’re confident. He will be less likely to attack if he feels that you’re not afraid.
- In some cases, a rooster will get aggressive because he needs a little love. Carry your rooster around, cuddle, pet, and hold him to make him feel that you care. Creating this bond will help your rooster calm down as he knows that he can trust you.
- When you’re spending time with your aggressive male silkie, make sure that you’re feeding him yummy treats. This will keep him happy and will help improve his behavior.
At What Age Do Male Silkies Start Crowing?
Male silkies, just like all other roosters, crow for the sunrise. They like to stand at a high point and crow as loud as possible to make their presence noticeable. Roosters use crowing to mark their territories or to warn other chickens.
Some roosters will start crowing at the age of 3 months, some might begin as early as two months, and others might not begin to crowing until they’re almost one year old. Compared to other chickens, silkies are usually quieter, so the roosters might not crow as loud as roosters from other breeds.
Moreover, younger male silkies are less likely to crow when there’s another mature rooster around. They like to keep themselves away from older males that may live in the same backyard.
How Can You Keep a Silkie Rooster Healthy?
Silkies need special attention to make sure that they’re healthy and safe. The roosters are not that different, as you need to keep an eye on your silkies, whether you’re breeding them in the backyard or keeping them inside the house as pets.
With proper care, male silkies will be able to live for up to 9 or 10 years. This breed can live with ducks, dogs, and other pets.
You should pay attention to male silkies’ health and protect them from the elements and predators.
- It’s recommended to keep silkies away from other breeds. Roosters can get too competitive and might attack roosters from other chicken breeds.
- Make sure that the male silkies are kept inside because they don’t fly, even when they see a predator.
- Keep an eye on the feathers of roosters. The feathers get too long and might cover the face and feet. It’s essential to trim the feathers, especially around the eyes and feet, so silkies can see their predators and walk properly.
- Silkies are prone to infections if you don’t pay attention to their feathers. The dirt can accumulate in their feet, and the bacteria will travel up the bloodstream if the skin is compromised.
Wrap Up
In general, male silkies are docile and fun to be around. However, some male silkies can be a little aggressive if they sense threat or when they’re trying to defend their territories.
Showing a little love and care usually works to calm down an aggressive male silkie. You can also walk boldly to show the rooster who’s the boss.