I was wondering if there is anyone else local , I am thinking about starting my son in 4H and though bunnies would be easy or cavies we have a soft spot for silkies, I dont want to get them from a hatchery as I think the kids get to show there chickens in fairs and I am sure hatchery quality would not stand up well at a contest. I have done shipped eggs many times and though i usually have ok luck the last two times I got silky eggs I only had one hatch the first batch and two the second.
Marge Best, Karen Larson (Catdance Silkies), Cheryl Butler, the list goes on, there are some excellent Silkies in the Northwest. Try to attend the PNPA show April 18-19 at Clark County Fairgrounds right across the river in Vancouver. It would be well worth it.