Is this a single comb on a silkie?

[flagday76]

Is this a single comb?

This guy is soooo friendly and cute! I wish he had a better comb, but he will make someone a great pet. He is always the first to come out of the pen and loves to be held. I like his color, but his comb is really funky.

 

[heyeddah]

ARE YOU SURE IT IS A HE?

 

[Biddieacres]

Oh he is sooooo cute! I think it is but I could be wrong.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

In the first photo, it looks like a pea comb; in the second it looks more like a single comb. Either is incorrect.

 

[klf73]

actually I think it looks like a cross between the walnut and single comb. Definitely would not use in a breeding program. I got a single comb from *show quality* birds and was very disappointed as the eggs cost me $40 + shipping and only 2 hatched (out of 8, shipped eggs)

 

[flagday76]

Yea, it is a "he"...I thought it was a "she" when I bought him. He started crowing about a month after I brought him home. Oh well. And, his comb did not look like that when I bought him. It has developed over the last couple months or so. It is very strange looking either way. He is such a good boy! It is too bad he has that type of comb. Not a candidate for my breeding pen, that is for sure. But, I am hoping to rehome him for a pet.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

A walnut comb is formed by the bird having the genes for both pea and rose combs. When bred to a bird with a good comb the % of offspring with incorrect combs is at most 25%, and could be as low as 12%. Certainly not what you'd choose if you have a different bird with a good comb and other equal or better features, but definitely not a reason to eliminate him from consideration. There are other faults that are much harder to correct (such as a red comb--his is on the red side, but is acceptably dark).

Sadly, silkie eggs do not ship well. Several years ago I received 3 dozen eggs in the mail and only had one hatch. Last fall I shipped about a dozen & a half and only one hatched. In the long run, paying for chicks is worth it if eggs have to be shipped.

 

[LilPeeps]

Quote:
I agree, he should not necessarily be discarded. Not really sure what that comb would be considered, but it's not correct for the breed.

 

[flagday76]

I feel better that you guys think he is worth maybe keeping. I know I keep saying it, but he is such a cute boy, and is so friendly. I might keep him for the kids to play around with, and see what I get out of him and my hen. I have two grey roosters, and they are both good boys. I like this one's color better, but the other rooster has a better crest and a better comb. I wish I could find another grey hen because I really like this variety. I think I like it better than splash, which was my #1 pick for colors! I just want to put out good quality stock, not just breed for the sake of doing so. Although around here, silkies are in high demand just for backyard pets. People really like them for their kids.

 

[Biddieacres]

I would like to see a full body shot of that cutie! I like him. (if you have one that is)