Breeding for a new color questions?

[ninny]

Im wondering how long does it take to cement a color? Im going to be working with silkies. I really am more interested in colors then show quality at the moment. That being said i would have the colors and basics( leg feathering, comb type) breed true then start another color. Id keep working on getting back to type with all new colors however. How long does it take? How many genarations? What would be the best way to go about doing this? Get some black silkie roos and cross them on hens of color i want? Then breed back. I have no birds at the moment and will be starting from scratch. Im planing on lots of birds to start the color then sell way down to finish it.

Thanks!

 

[hinkjc]

There are too many factors to take into consideration to be able to provide an easy answer without knowing the end goal. Once you know what you're looking to create, then you need to identify what you're starting with. Depending on what color and what you need to use to start your project, you may have to breed out very few things or many things. You may have more to worry about than plumage color, five toes, etc. Egg color is a factor, comb type, etc. I'd say give us an example of what you're aiming for and I'm sure you'll get lots of great advice.

 

[Henk69]

Every color can be created in 2 generations.

Here are ways to breed a color depending on:
introducing a dominant factor
Cross the desired breed with an animal that has the dominant factor you want. Backcross to the desired breed. Repeat.
For sexlinked genes the choice of male/female could have some impact.

introducing a recessive factor like lavender
http://home.hetnet.nl/~h.meijers69/parelgrijs.html

introducing a sexlinked recessive factor like chocolate
http://home.hetnet.nl/~h.meijers69/chocolatelakenvelder.html

 

[ninny]

Neat i was hoping it won't be to hard. I am hoping when i can get this started i can find a another silkie breeder who would be interested in maybe bringing the colors to show quality. Not sure what color i'll start with yet. When i get my silkie flocks built up ill start picking colors.

Would it be okay if i use hatchery birds to start with or should i shell out the dough and buy show quality silkies?


Also what colors of silkies should i get for my starting flock? I was thinking buff or partridge,white, black and blue. And would it be possible to do a showgirl line at the same time.

thanks!

 

[nzpouter]

Quote:
Why not spend the money for a very good first class silkie rooster and buy hens cheaper/ cross bred? As long as they have the colours you want, it doesn't matter...