Mixing silkie colors..pics of how I got certain colors

[Sonoran Silkies]

Whether or not the pattern gene will show will depend upon the E-allele. If e^b, as is usual for silkies, yes, it would. It doesn't show on E. So, if E (even one copy) has been bred into the black then it could carry pure Pg and it would not show.

I too have had difficulty hatching grey males. I tend to get something sorta dirty-columbian looking, usually with red shoulders. BTW, red shoulders do not a duckwing make. Duckwing is a coloured wing triangle at the end of the wing.

When you are playing with the chicken calculator the E-allele makes a HUGE difference in the outcome.

 

[racuda]

Very nice! I thought I was anti-mixing colors until I saw your calico.

I have a question. Surely you hatched more than this one rooster. What did the others look like?

 

[chickenbottom]

pretty cool love the gray ones especially

 

[Henk69]

are american silkies hennyfeathered? That would explain the lack of black breasted males.
Also one dose of columbian would remove the black breast, but the females could still have a patterned back/body, especially when Pattern gene is there (or melanizers). Purebreed columbian plus pattern gene Co/Co Pg/Pg is not a well documented combination.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
I have wondered if at least some of them are henny feathered. I have a blue partridge cock whose feather patterns look far more like a penciled hen's would; he lacks the primary patterning. I have had other breeders and at least one judge who questioned whether he is truly male or not; but he crows, comes running to defend his hens, dances for his ladies and has offspring.

henny feathered?

I do have other partridges (both regular and blue partridge) who clearly have the primary patterns of a male.

 

[Cuban Longtails]

He does appear to be henny feathered, how very interesting!

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

And you thought silkies were hard to sex before! Thanks, I have been wanting other opinions on the henny feathering.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

wow you guys are soooo smart! I wouldl ike to post a picture of my silkies and ask what you think of them. Right now they are 3, 6 & 9 weeks old is this to soon?

 

[emzee]

That calico silkie is so beautiful!!! Are you allowed to show that color?

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

A 3, 6 & 9 weeks, we can ooooh & ahhhhh over cuteness, but it is really too young to judge quality. Look for the obvious traits: black/slate skin, dark eyes, 5 toes per foot, silkie feathering. Crest may be poor that young age, but develop into awesomeness.