Are My Silkies Good? PICS FINALLY

[Huny]

First Rule of Chicken Breeding...If you are seriously wanting to breed chickens, stop complaining about the cost of quality birds. Quality breeds quality, Crap Breeds Crap.

This is what my mother told me when I said I wanted some great birds but they were SO expensive. So I went mid line, went to a show, found some awesome birds at a steal of a deal, but they still aren't the best around. But you will have to take 20 or more generations to get to the quality of what I got at the show.

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

That's what I was thinking. Good for you that you want to improve the quality of your birds, though. Good luck with your birds.

If you want to get some birds, but can't afford to pay for a pair and shipping for live birds, I would suggest you hatch some eggs or see if you can get chicks. Keep the best pair or trio out of them and sell the rest.

 

[WalkingWolf]

If you intend on breeding show quality birds to show be prepared to cull, and cull a lot. The term used in breeding high quality birds is "ruthlessly culling". Even birds of the highest quality only a few will meet show standards.

I do not intend to cull ruthlessly so I will not be showing. I do cull for meat, and if a bird is deformed. MOST silkie buyers are not looking to show. I also ride motorcycles and I have built a few in my lifetime. They were not show bikes, but then most true bikers are not in it for the glory.

If you truly intend on showing yes you will need to spend the bucks. But it takes a lot more than buying eggs or birds from show stock. It takes high maintenance, expensive feed, and time.