I love these colors!! How did the cuckoo silkies get started? Did they come from a different breed? I notice that alot seem to still have red in thier combs. I really like the cuckoo look they almost look frizzled but its probably just the barring. Cool~
yes it is hard to get the red out of the cuckoos. It has to do with melanizers. I have one roo with mottled skin and I have some in the grow out that look all dark so far
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Some of the silkies were probably crossed to barred cochins, barred rocks and possibly cuckoo polish. I did not do the first cross on mine I am not sure what breed was used. The red combs usually appear as they get older and it will be easier to get a dark comb on a hen than a roo, especially the lighter roo with a double dose of the barring gene.
wait one more question... how come some silkies have REALLY BIG puffballs on their head and some (all of mine included) have little mohawks? its annoying.