Can your showing girls be breeding girls?

[I-Have-Happy-Hens]

Hi,

I hope

to start breeding SQ lav. Silkies next fall, And most of the girls that I want in the breeding pen will also be some of the girls that I show in the fall, will this be ok? Or will the feathers be messed up to baddly to do well?

Thanks,

Happy-Hens

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

I always show my breeders.

Maybe if you put your females and males together earlier in the year, such as this December and put some lighting in, they would provide good fertile eggs earlier. Once you have a good hatch, you can separate again and condition for shows.

 

[joe17]

Quote:
To stay in their best condition, I would separate the hens from the rooster. Silkie roos can rip out a hen's crest quite easily.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

I hve a few birds who ALWAYS stay in condition, and a few who do not. AI will allow you to not worry about the boys messing up the girls, while still retaining fertility in the girls. This is one incidence in which I see absolutely no ethical problems with AI. (As compared with never doing anythign BUT AI.)

 

[joe17]

Quote:
Have you ever AI'd? I considered it but I am not confident with it. I know a lot of people try but can never seem to get fertilized eggs. How often do you have to do it?

 

[chickendales]

if u dont keep ur boys with ur girls full time they well stay better shape like 3 day one 4 day off iknow people that leave there male on for 3 day week off

 

[I-Have-Happy-Hens]

I am not going to use AI

and joe17 would'nt their crests come back in the fall? And My coop will be set up where the girls can be sep. from the boys so could I sep. like 8 weeks be for the fall and them be ok for showing?

 

[chickendales]

Quote:
it could take up to 4 to 6 months just mater when the molt

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

I don't AI; I have seen it done.