Silkie breeding, genetics & showing

[ChicksNherps]

I've tried using the hair tape before -- can never get it to stay in. LOL Are you thinking to emphasize a more globular appearance? I agree her crest is a little flat.

What is the benefit of the cat litter? Heard of people using it, but don't know if that'd be worth using instead of the very fine shavings I use now. I assume the kitty litter you mean is the old fashioned kind -- NOT the clumping kind. I'll be cage training them soon, too, but will line the bottom of the cage so as to not have the wire damage any feathers.

I tried it, it just got them grey and dusty...

it did do a good job drying up the poop though.

 

[thedragonlady]

I tried it, it just got them grey and dusty...

it did do a good job drying up the poop though.

Are you using pop bottle PLASTIC waterers? I don't think that is a real bonnet crest. Looks like she is wearing off the middle. The tape goes all the way around the base of the crest, and makes it stand up, not flop.The tape will protect the middle of the crest too.

Look for WHITE kitty litter. I put 2" sides around my show coops, and kept all my birds on it. You must clean feet and vents every day, and scoop the litter. KL does not stain foot feathering like shavings do, as it has no oil. It draws oil and moisture out of the feathers on the feet, and prevents staining and clumping, which destroys foot feathering.

 

[ChicksNherps]

Are you using pop bottle PLASTIC waterers? I don't think that is a real bonnet crest. Looks like she is wearing off the middle. The tape goes all the way around the base of the crest, and makes it stand up, not flop.The tape will protect the middle of the crest too.

Look for WHITE kitty litter. I put 2" sides around my show coops, and kept all my birds on it. You must clean feet and vents every day, and scoop the litter. KL does not stain foot feathering like shavings do, as it has no oil. It draws oil and moisture out of the feathers on the feet, and prevents staining and clumping, which destroys foot feathering.

where do you get white kitty litter that is non toxic? I used the plain grey clay because they like to sample it

 

[chikincrazee]

What brand of kitty litter is white??? I was going to try this ground up corn cob bedding but I am scared those mold toxins that they are finding in all the corn this harvest would be in the ground cobs too!!! So I am still using very fine shavings.

 

[chikincrazee]

Beautiful pair..would like to have them in my flock anytime!!!!

Just posting pics of the two birds I'll be showing next month. Hoping they are in better condition and ready to show by then.

 

[Adoravachick]

Just posting pics of the two birds I'll be showing next month. Hoping they are in better condition and ready to show by then.

Beautiful!

 

[blessedchick]

I love this thread! I appreciate all of the expertise and pictures to help us "newbies" get on the right track when it comes to breeding high quality birds. Thank you all so MUCH!

 

[thedragonlady]

What brand of kitty litter is white??? I was going to try this ground up corn cob bedding but I am scared those mold toxins that they are finding in all the corn this harvest would be in the ground cobs too!!! So I am still using very fine shavings.

You are right to stay away from corn cob litter.The stuff does not dry things out like the KL and tends to mold. There are brands of white KL. You just have to look at the different brands. You might ask car mechanics too. They buy it in bulk.

 

[MaineGigi]

I love this thread! I appreciate all of the expertise and pictures to help us "newbies" get on the right track when it comes to breeding high quality birds. Thank you all so MUCH!

I am also a newbie. I have a splash roo that I got from another member, a buff and white hens and a partrigde whose sex is yet to be determined. The white I have is an adoptee who will not be in any breeding program, she is not quality. I do need to purchase some eggs or pairs of silkies. I am taking my time though so I can research the breed and learn as much as possible before going whole hog. The info here is great! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Cathy

 

[peepblessed]

Just posting pics of the two birds I'll be showing next month. Hoping they are in better condition and ready to show by then.

Gorgeous birds!! Hope you have an awesome show!!