Question to Silkie owners

[kathyinmo]

Quote:
Ewwwwe, I don't know about that!

 

[jen5680]

Brody's Broodello :

It depends on the lines. I have some that are quick to "fluff" and some that take longer. Some of the early birds get what looks great on a 3 month old, but does not get larger as they mature. I have others that take longer and end up as softballs. I would cull for DQ first, then other less desirable traits next. Then let the rest develope, then take notes to see how they turn out. You might notice that all the chicks from pair "A" develope faster than pair "B". Or this pair throughs less foot feathering than another, or all the blacks from that pair developed off color hackles, etc. Hope this helps.

So what are the things you look at first when you start culling? DQ???​

 

[CrestedHorizonPoultry]

I breed and raise for exhibition. I don't have the room to keep everything that is cute, (even when I want to

this is what I do and it all depends on color too. Right off I look for eye color, extra toes or lack of toes and skin color. I want to see dark black eyes. I want the skin to be very dark with NO light patches, light toes or beak. I rarely see extra toes or lack of, but occasionally one will pop up and it isn't something I will work with. Other than that I don't do anything for several months.

 

[Brody's Broodello]

Quote:
So what are the things you look at first when you start culling? DQ???

The first thing is lack of or extra toes, don't really get these much,but I also hatch a lot so maybe 1 out of 100. Then light foot feathering,etc. After they grow a bit, then off colors, tight wings,and obvious lack of type. Right now I'm growing out about 100 birds, so I'm culling them as they grow. I will keep maybe 5 our so for breeding & showing. They have to be better than their parents to stay, all of our breeders have won at the least a Best of Variety, and then they still mighyt not saty in the breeding pens long. The best breeding hens i have have won mulitple Best of Breeds, Champ Featherleg and Grand Show winners, so I'm very critical as to what stays for breeding. Some of my Culls have gone on to win big for others, but for whatever reason I chose not to keep them in out program. So one persons cull could be your next top bird, something to remember when buying stock from someone.