Buff Silkie Thread!

[bucolic beauty]

I have a question, although I'm a bit embarrassed to ask it; how are you able to tell a male Buff Silkie from a female Buff Silkie? I've looked at quite a few pictures and saw no visible difference, although, I realize I have an untrained eye. I have one(from a farm supply store)and although s/he's too young to currently determine it's sex(his/her crown feathers are just starting to grow in - it looks like a mohawk)with my rudimentary chicken education I'm merely curious about visible differences. Thanks!

 

[Gordonhillfarm]

Sundown Silkies do you have a preference in your breeding program ? ( wheaten or partridge base ) And why ? I really don't understand the lav. cross ????? Thanks Tammy

I understand useing the lav. gene a little better now . I have to ask though in useing lavender have you changed the buff ? ( to porcelain )

 

[kfchickenlady]

tammy, you have great questions! Im learning a lot reading all the great responses. thanks to all.

 

[Muzzie]

Day 16 we go into lockdown on Monday

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Quote:
I don't really have a preference. I do tend to like the darker buffs though. But I have both in my breeding pens.

 

[Gordonhillfarm]

I think I'm going to use both . I've looked them over and over and really liked all the shades from light to dark . I would like to have better type in a couple of them -- not that it's bad just not quiet what I would like to see . Here's a big question for anyone that can or is willing to answer . What is harder to correct through breeding 1-- darkfeathers in tail or 2 -- type ( not feet or feathering of foot - just overall shape and size of bird )?? Reason for question I have a Roo I really like nice color ( except black feathering only in his tail ) great type -- foot feathers propper toes ... Then I have another roo that has nice color ( no black ) poor type he lacks in cushion a little larger then I like but not out of the standard size - he does have nice foot feathering and propper toes . Just trying to figure out which one would really be the better of the 2 to work with in a breeding program . And I'm still a bit curious about adding Lav. to the buff pen to lighten them . Does it change them to porcelian or ?? I know learning through experince can make what you do that much more valued , but shareing what you learn makes you more valued . Something I herd over and over as a child . Sorry if I'm a bit of a pest ,I was just taught you'll never learn if you don't ask . Some of my early morning cup of coffee thoughts ~~~ Tammy


Muzzie GOOD LUCK

 

[Muzzie]

Quote:
Thanks Tammy

Keep asking these great questions I'm learning along with you.

-Rita

 

[Gordonhillfarm]

bucolic beauty -- you usally cann't tell till they are much older . Some say when they either crow or lay an egg

But there are some ways of guessing a little early - streamers coming in the hackle feathers ( feathers around their neck ) sometimes not always you can tell by the way a crest is shaped as it develops I have found more times than not if it stands kinda straight up leaning back like a mohawk it's usally a roo ( again not always ) and if it starts like a puff or cotton ball it's a hen . But really it's all guess work till they are older . Good luck ~~ Tammy

 

[PamB]

Hey all, I don't breed Buffs but I hatched a sole buff from eggs on New Year's Eve and this little baby means the world to me because I had to help him hatch and I didn't think he'd make it. He is the only buff I have. Well, I thought he was a she until he crowed this morning. My husband is building my BBS breeding pen and I'm wondering if I should make a small portion of the new coop/run for buffs (just so I can keep this little man). I would like opinions on his quality. I know he is young, but anything you can tell me would be appreciated. I don' t have a good foot shot, but he does have five toes on each foot.

Thanks for your help,
Pam

 

[kfchickenlady]

Quote:
Thanks Tammy

Keep asking these great questions I'm learning along with you.

-Rita

Same here