howdy, your FFA teacher should have an upto date poultry standard of perfection book. you will find all the info on what a the standard silkie is to be. all colors of plumage, skin, shanks, toenails, beaks, types of comb, number of toes, ect. a great soarce of reference for show quality birds of all breeds and varieties. aside from that , remember to keep the coop clean, do not let the droppings build up. you will have a great chance of developing scaly legs and toes, plus being feather legged, the plumage will collect with filth.
have fresh clean water daily, a good nutritional diet (just throwing in scratch is not good nutrition, its a filler at best) poultry feeds with 15% protien or better is great.
i mix a small portion of calf manna(more protien) along with crushed eggshells or oyster shells for calcium (bone developement and eggshell developement). depending on your pocket book, a probiotic is also great.
during times of stress or before and after a show, or just plain old good health electrolytes with vitamins,and minerals . for great skin, plumage, and a spunky rooster i like wheat germ oil and use 2 table spoons per gallon of feed, mixed well. there is a lot to raising good quality show birds, but the satisfaction of winning shows and getting a good reputation for quality is what its all about. i am a 4-H poultry project leader and breeder of show quality chickens. the best of luck to you!
I have been trying to find these birds for so long in my area that I agreed to buy them quickly! SO I'm picking them up this Saturday. I have a hen and a rooster. They will be staying on a public farm in the middle of the city, as I am in the FFA and that's where we keep our livestock. I read up on proper care a while ago, but I need some refreshing. So any tips on how to care for these animals? I am definitely going to breed and sell them--in the spring. As for right now I want to turn them into show birds. Tips?
