Just Getting Started - What Color Silkie Do You Recommend Breeding?

[PamB]

Hi! I've recently decided that I'd like to acquire some good quality silkies to breed. My plan is to have a few girls and a boy in a separate coop run for breeding. What color would be a good beginning color to work with in your opinion? I just can't decide so I figured I'd look for some opinions before I go and spend a lot of money on some beautiful birds!

Thanks!

 

[jen5680]

You can breed blue black and splash togther and that will give you blue black and splash chicks
so If you want more than one color but only have one pen this will work out great for you.

 

[Bat Cave Silkies]

Have to agree with Jen on this one.
I definitely wouldn't breed white; if you plan to show or try to sell any. White is THE color, and considering how long some of the top breeders have been working on it, it would take you years to catch up.
Partridge is MY favorite color, but it's a bit hard to work with and not popular with judges.

 

[PamB]

Thanks for the responses! Okay, so if I go with blue, black, and splash, what color rooster would you recommend?

 

[awesomefowl]

Splash! I have a beautiful splash and I love him!
And Splash x Black = %100 blue!

 

[rilly10]

Quote:
Actually splash to blue would give 50% blue, 50% splash.

I would reccommend a blue rooster over BBS hens. That would give you a nice mix of chicks!


Edited to add:

Blue x Blue = 50% blue 25% black 25% splash
Blue x Black = 50% blue 50% black
Blue x splash = 50% blue 50% splash
Black x black = 100% black
Splash x splash = 100% splash
Black x splash =100% Blue

 

[Illia]

Quote:
Actually splash to blue would give 50% blue, 50% splash.

S/he said Splash x Black

 

[muddyhorse]

BBS is fun because you get 3 colors of chicks. White can be hard to keep in condition for showing but it is easier IMHO to find nice whites. buff is hard to get dark combs AND not have black tails. Partridge is also tough. Lavenders are pretty and becoming easier to come by. I have Cuckoo because I love a challenge

Keep in mind i is easier to judge solid color birds like black and white. the bird is either all black or all white, the judge does not have to worry about the correct shade or consistency of a pattern.

remember to breed what YOU like these bird take a lot of time and work and if you don't love them it becomes a chore quickly

 

[racuda]

Quote:
That says it all.

 

[rilly10]

Quote:
Actually splash to blue would give 50% blue, 50% splash.

S/he said Splash x Black

HA HA HA!!! Sorry!

Can you tell it has been a looooooong day?