LynnaePB
Free Ranging
So today, out of 10 eggs with 3 broodies... I tossed 3 clears. Hatch day will be the 19th and 20th.
This is Bill(Cull Bill), as you can see he has at least two major silkie detractors(Feathering, and his deformed beak). However, he is the cockerel with the nicest disposition and I have two in the breeding pen at present with 12 hens. As you can see he has some issues eating, but at 7.5 months of age gets an adequate diet. He has the best ears, comb, coloration and generally other Silkie features of all of my cockerels. The other cockerel in the pen has a nice color comb, pure silkie feathering and an ugly big fat engourged tick like comb and questionable ears.
Should I do anything to trim that beak to ensure he eats better or just go the if it ain't broke/don't fix route? He was artificially incubated so potentially that is the cause of his deformity?
One final note: My silkies all get their heads shaved due to the increased raptor threat in winter usually in summer as well. I can't imagine going through life with a FOV of less than 5 degrees. Next time I post silkie pictures of Bill I should probably traumatize him with a bath so people can see his true colors. The earmuffs, and side beards also get shaved down to a goatee for increased vision.
How exciting, I hope you get a really good hatch!
Good luck with your breeding boys! I get really frustrated trying to pick cockerels/roosters to put with my girls as well, they are great in some areas and not so great in others. It's rough trying to weigh the pros and cons. I hope your boys work out well and give you some nice chicks!
