Showgirls - stupid question?

[Cloverleaf Farm]

Ok, I have searched the boards and read the threads, but maybe I am just missing something.....(like a brain)....

My friend wants to breed showgirls...she has lots of turkens and I have silkies...but her turkens are standards...I think that the silkie roos can probably figure out how to cover the hens, but can a silkie hen really handle that size of a roo??? Nowhere on the boards says "bantam" turkens are used...is it just assumed? Or is the standard turken/silkie cross possible?

Thanks!

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

I believe it is assumed that bantam naked necks are used. I do not have showgirls, but they are the same size as silkies, so I don't imagine that large fowl naked necks were used.

I do know that it takes many generations to get good quality--better to purchase showgirls who already have those generations behind them.

 

[Kev]

Bantams are preferred, so size would not have to be something selected against in the generations.

I know of several that did start with standard turkens though. Silkies despite being bantams.. most are not exactly 'so small' so a turken rooster can breed the typical silkie hen. Especially if the turken is a mixed backyard bird.. those tend to be smaller/lighter than the typical hatchery stock turken. It's extremely common for naked necked backyard mutts to be sold as turkens(as if they were the THE breed despite having pea combs, leg feathering etc).

It is true that it takes many generations to hit on birds with decent or better silkiness, body type etc. On one hand, it would be fun and educational to note what comes out of the first cross and learn about culling in the later generations.. but on the other hand it will take several years before good ones show up.

 

[Cloverleaf Farm]

Ya, she gets that it's gonna take a while, but that's half the fun!!

 

[Kev]

Have fun.

Just in case- naked neck is dominant. Which means with showgirls as the goal, must have at least one parent with a naked neck each generation. No parents with no naked necks= zero naked necks.

It is easier to simply breed a naked necked bird from each generation back to a pure silkie as they essentially are naked necked silkies. That way will also really help in getting rid of various type problems such as too long backs, tails, legs etc.

 

[Cloverleaf Farm]

Quote:
Awesome - thanks!!!