Silkie breeding, genetics & showing

[jrosemoore]

What do you guys think about comb size in roosters? I was talking to a friend over the phone a few days back and we were pondering if it similar to a buck's antlers. Larger comb size=more aggression. I sat and watched my silkies interact and did notice that my boy with the biggest comb was indeed the roughest one of the group. Hmm. Then is it truly a desirable characteristic to make comb as small as possible?

 

[ChicksNherps]

Question! How do you pluck a hard feather? I have tried, but always end up lifting her up by her butt!

 

[sager:)silkies]

You getting excited for the national?

i so am its less then 2 weeks away and today there was an update so far there is 1005 birds enterd and more to come and the biggest class so far is neck to neck between silkies and brahmas and now that its a one day show i am showing 2 birds a white silkie and a splash silkie

 

[Adoravachick]

What do you guys think about comb size in roosters? I was talking to a friend over the phone a few days back and we were pondering if it similar to a buck's antlers. Larger comb size=more aggression. I sat and watched my silkies interact and did notice that my boy with the biggest comb was indeed the roughest one of the group. Hmm. Then is it truly a desirable characteristic to make comb as small as possible?

After speaking with Bobbi Porto, she says that the larger the comb, the more fertile the rooster.

 

[aoxa]

i so am its less then 2 weeks away and today there was an update so far there is 1005 birds enterd and more to come and the biggest class so far is neck to neck between silkies and brahmas and now that its a one day show i am showing 2 birds a white silkie and a splash silkie 

Do you know your exhibitor #?

I am going as well, and I am very excited!! Not taking any birds myself, as we are going to Ontario for a week to visit with friends.

I can tell you this.. It is REALLY hard to find someone to take care of such a large group of birds. My in-laws are going to stay for free. Also said they would be mad if we paid them. Gotta love that!

 

[Adoravachick]

So, I candled the eggs that have been in the incubator for 7 days, not a single one was fertile.

 

[thedragonlady]

After speaking with Bobbi Porto, she says that the larger the comb, the more fertile the rooster.

Silkies are a feminized breed. If your Cock birds get TOO pretty ,fertility does go down. A male must look, and act like a male. Works for me in all species.

 

[ChicksNherps]

My poor baby is ashamed of losing her first show

She didn't even want to come out of her coop for a photoshoot

Poor dear...

 

[Adoravachick]

Silkies are a feminized breed. If your Cock birds get TOO pretty ,fertility does go down. A male must look, and act like a male. Works for me in all species.

I only the one breeding age rooster I have, isn't fertilizing the eggs. I don't know for sure how old he is, so it's very possible that he is just older. I was planning on hatching through the winter, but this certianly brings me to a screeching hault. Is it possible that he just needs a break from the hens or does he need to be put under lights? The hens are still laying, but this rooster is just acting completely disinterested. He isn't even strutting anymore. So, now, I am really in the market for a new rooster so I can continue to hatch through the winter. (wink wink)

 

[aoxa]

I only the one breeding age rooster I have, isn't fertilizing the eggs.  I don't know for sure how old he is, so it's very possible that he is just older.  I was planning on hatching through the winter, but this certianly brings me to a screeching hault.  Is it possible that he just needs a break from the hens or does he need to be put under lights?  The hens are still laying, but this rooster is just acting completely disinterested.  He isn't even strutting anymore.  So, now, I am really in the market for a new rooster so I can continue to hatch through the winter. (wink wink)

Is your rooster molting by any chance? Roosters lose fertility during a molt I've heard.