How to breed to get "bearded" silkies

[Love my Critters!]

Is there any way to try and increase the chances of getting bearded silkies in my hatches verses non-bearded. I have both, but I am not particular about who breeds with who right now, although I didn't know if it would help my chances if I bred a bearded to a bearded or does it make no difference.

We just let mom hatch babies for the fun of it, but we prefer the looks of a bearded with a large crest, verses not.

Thanks for any help.

 

[BamaChicken]

Definitely breed the bearded to bearded. You may throw some non bearded if they carry the gene but you will have to try and keep all the bearded ones from that hatch, best beards and breed them back. Don't use any non bearded.

 

[Love my Critters!]

Thank you very much! We have only had silkies for about 1 1/2 years and we absolutely love them! Does the same thing go for the large crest?

 

[SusanJoM]

Okay, so who can tell us what genes determine the bearded or non-beardedness of the silkie? Where are they, and what other genetic issues impact their expression?

Anyone?

Susan

 

[Love my Critters!]

You got me Susan

I hope you know, because I do not have a clue.

 

[SusanJoM]

No, I have no idea....
I'm really asking....
Maybe Tim or Kev or...... will be paying attention and give us the answer.

Susan