Reducing the Size of Silkies

[gootziecat]

What are suggestions for reducing the size of your birds other than the obvious purchasing of smaller stock. In the case of chicks, some times you don't know the ultimate size when you buy it.

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

Quote:
This is true to some extent. However, I do believe that my chicks are smaller than some other silkie breeders chicks that I have seen. I believe this is because I do selectively breed for a smaller bird. I've seen some silkie eggs that don't even look like bantam eggs and usually these are from large hens. Although I do have one small hen that lays a relatively large egg for her size.

I weigh all my birds every 6 months. Additionally, I talk to any breeder from whom I am purchasing eggs or birds and make sure that there birds are within my standard for size. Not saying that there is anything wrong with larger birds...just not my preference.

Again, there are a couple of "lines" that I stay away from for that very reason.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
I've heard them make the complaint, then place one of the larger birds

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
That is a nonbearded silkie; they have larger wattles than bearded ones. The comb is mulberry, and perfectly acceptible. Many breeders strive for darker, but that comb meets the standard. However, it is a modified rose comb rather than a walnut comb.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
The only way to reduce the size is to breed for smaller birds. Don't breed birds who you feel are too large, make sure at least one parent is on the small side.

 

[ultasol]

True, it is an acceptable comb color, but not as dark as most of what I've seen at the shows. I know she wasn't saying the bird was a show bird. Also, while the rooster is a fine looking bird, for show even a non-bearded silkie should have smaller wattles, correct?

I have a couple of smaller silkies, and one tres petite hen. One of the smaller hens weighs as much as the larger silkies I have, she's so tiny that when you pick her up you expect a featherweight, but get a butterball turkey instead.

To me it seems like much of the size is height, especially on cockerels. The problem is when you breed for width of body and shorter legs you end up with birds that can't breed naturally. Fine if you want to go AI only, but I would prefer a bird capable of fertilizing at least a few eggs on his own.

I don't mind a nice wide walnut comb, as I get the best fertility out of roosters with noticeable combs. I have one black with what I consider a lovely comb. I should take pictures.

 

[Funky Feathers]

Quote:
What color is this Roo? Also he has no foot feathers- not one. He would be DQ'd at a show for sure. Interesting color though, what is it called?

 

[Sugar Sand Farm]

I had a very tiny silkie pullet that is now 7 months old. She just never grew. Today she is still tiny. Has a beautiful full crest and beard just tiny she was 4 1/2 months old when I gave her to featherbaby and she looked like she was 3-4 weeks old size wise but had a full crest and beard and was fully feathered. I kept putting her in with day olds as everyone she was hatched with outgrew her within weeks. Featherbaby still has her and she is still tiny at 7 months. We figured she was a runt or throwback. The rest of the chicks that I got from the breeder that were hatched from the same set of eggs are regular full size silkies

 

[sunket77]

When it comes to shows, what I have seen (not that many to be honest) Where I live there are not that many silkies actually entered and if they don't have any DQ's then they have a fairly good chance in the feather leg category since they don't seem to have to much competition. They may not take home champion but they may win first in their category. I think the rooster in the photo would have a good chance depending on the show and the judge. Especially in a backyard show. My sons Japanese got 2nd place to another cockerel because the other cockerel had a smaller body and was the correct shape, the judge was impressed by that. IMO the feather quality of the other cockerel was not good in comparison but it came down to the judges opinion and what he liked. So I think when it comes to shows sometimes you just don't really know.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

I remember going to the shows and was thinking to myself "wow, those silkies look huge". I do agree and think that they are getting larger.