Breeding silkies/chickens - have some questions **PICS ADDED page 2**

[SimplySplendidSilkies]

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I agree 110%!

 

[SilkieTime]

featherbaby x 2

 

[CheshieChick13]

Great topic!

I am right here myself! Learning what to cull and what not to cull ect ect... Please keep this thread up! I personally have put some money into my flock to have some good looking birds to start with. I'm glad I did that, and have yet to be disappointed. For me personally..... breeding is an art form. People have asked me if I would be showing any of the grown birds I have now. My response is, no. I aquired those birds strictly to select from in order to breed my own.
To me showing a bird created by someone elses breeding selection is like showing a painting done by someone else, then claiming it as your own just because you "own it". That has just never felt right to me.....
That is a huge reason I bought birds from various breeders, is having the creativity to mix and match parentage. Having birds from only one line I feel also takes the creativity out of breeding. My personal rule is unless the bird was a product of my choices for breeding here at my home, I really don't feel right showing it

3 Weeks ago I hatched out Lav/grey splits. Out of the 11 grey/lav chicks, I think I have one or two that could be.... may be..... possibly be

showing potential traits for a breeding flock or a bird to show in the future.

Traits I am going on at 3 weeks old are: Head shape (ie vaulted skull), toe placement, darkness of skin/leg color, darkness of eyes and how they are feathering out on their feet and wings. So much can change from hatch to maturity, and I may end up with 11 PQ birds to rehome

I have a blue rooster for my Bl/Blk/Spl pen I want to start in the spring. He is stunning except his wattles (although small) are visible. I decided to keep him as a breeder when I start my Bl/Blk/Spl after posting a bunch of pics on here for opinions from the experienced breeders. A lot of people told me to "keep him" and "see what happens" and I'm glad I did, despite his visible wattles he's a gorgeous bird to start with. I will be looking for bl/blk/spl hens whos father has no visible wattles to hopefully offset that particular issue.
Snapping pictures of all the different angles and posting them in the forums for experienced opinions and eyes helps a lot.

There really are a lot of great people on this forum willing to help out and share their experience!

Best of luck
~Steph

 

[SilkieTime]

I'll show you my blue cockerel if you show me yours. Is he light, dark or what.

 

[CheshieChick13]

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He is dark. Heres a pic

Approximately 6-7 months old in this pic. Hes about 8-9 mos old now. His rump has filled out nicely and he stands more heart shaped now.

 

[SilkieTime]

Mine is still a cockerel.

 

[CheshieChick13]

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Awwww toooo cute! He looks like hes wearing one of those Eskimo Coats

My blue guy (his name is Levi) has always looked like a bad Elvis impersonator, sporting his little pompadour

 

[SimplySplendidSilkies]

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I have a blue cockerel too.
This it the pic his breeder Jen sent me. He is here now in my bedroom recovering from a long trip. He really is my doll baby!

 

[featherbaby]

ME TOO....ME TOO.....ME TOO! Here's my blue roo "Thunder". I just love this proud, fluffy guy!

 

[SilkieTime]

Now this is a line up to be proud off, proud to be in it? Isn't Edward 6 months.

Tennessee Edward you'll love the weather. LOL He has never seen winter before. I need a black rooster

Today is a new day