ADDED MORE PICS.....Please judge my silkie roo, Mr.T

[iluvmychicks]

The only thing I would like to add is considering his age, the wings will not be in all the way so it looks like a split, give him time on the wings, if his wings are split in the middle or not folding correctly at 6 months then I would be concerned. I agree completely with breeding him to a cresty female that would help the next generation with crest size.

Shari

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

I absolutely disagree with the comments about his comb. It is smooth, even and shaped correctly. Comb size has a definite bearing on vitality/vigor/fertility. Males with a comb that is too small will not breed on their own.

His crest size is the only area of concern for me.

 

[BBK]

Thanks to all who put their wonderful input.

I'm not exactly sure what a large crest looks like, compare to the others. Does it really need to be pronounced? Or somewhat?

Does someone have a pic of good one?

Melinda

 

[iluvmychicks]

The correct crest is globular, balanced and upright. It's basically supposed to look like a ball setting on their head and NOT hand into their eyes. I will try to dig one up later, I'm on my way to work! I'm sure others here have good crest shots

Shari

 

[destiny_56085]

Here are a couple pics of one of my 6 month old cockerels:

 

[destiny_56085]

Here is a pic of an extremely large crested 6 month old buff cockerel (yes it does crow)

This were his parents and yes they did have problems with fertility.....

 

[BBK]

So Mr. T should have had a big ball on top of his head. The bigger the better, then? And his will probably not get any bigger, correct? What is the age in which you get all of this info from each chick? 4 months? Earlier?

And if i breed him to hen/pullet with a big crest, the babies chicks should get the best of both? As long as she has the good body type, coloring, footing and everything else?

thanks for the great info and pics...
Melinda

 

[destiny_56085]

For the show ring, you will definitely want a bigger crest to even be competitive at all. Judges seem to like at least a medium crest.

For the breeding pens, a huge crest is actually a hindrance. You have to do some serious trimming of the crest and cushion so the rooster can get the job done. Alot of the serious show people now resort to artificial insemination.

Give him a whirl. The worst that can happen is that you have a whole batch of chicks that you have to find pet homes for.

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

Quote:
Forget the silkies....look at that gorgeous pheasant!!!

ETA: Do you raise Minorcas as well?

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
Forget the silkies....look at that gorgeous pheasant!!!
...

LOL! I'm wondering if he might have been the reason for fertility problems--as in chasing the poor rooster away...