Silkie breeding, genetics & showing

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I think I will try to show them trimmed rather than make them live with such limited visability or maybe just not show at all...
Maybe just snip a little at a time and cut in sideways instead of straight across. So it would mean the tip would be towards the eye, but I think it could work if you're careful and if it's blended well. Or if there is just one or two feathers curling into the eyes, maybe just pluck those and leave the others alone. I would take a very minimal approach about it. Even if you get a little too carried away, I'd still show them for the experience.
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Thanks, I will because I think she is just a great little chicken
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. Someone on another Silkie thread called it "creamsicle" or "frosted", and said someone on here was breeding this color. Do you know anything about it?

Oh and I won't be breeding my girls, just pets. At least... not right yet
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. My boyfriend would have a meltdown! Maybe when we get a house.
 
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I think I will try to show them trimmed rather than make them live with such limited visability or maybe just not show at all...
The only thing is, as far as the SOP is concerned, evidence of trimmed feathers is "Faking", which is a DQ. Obviously if the judge can't tell then you won't be DQ'd, but it's still technically "faking" (p. 30 of the SOP). Rather than trim those feathers, what about using hair tape like others do and tape the crests up so the birds can see? That way, when it's time to show, you can remove the tape and and it won't be a problem.

I am with you, though, it's something I dislike about the breed and the large crests -- I think a bird deserves to see what's going on in the world around it.
 
Thanks, I will because I think she is just a great little chicken
love.gif
. Someone on another Silkie thread called it "creamsicle" or "frosted", and said someone on here was breeding this color. Do you know anything about it?

Oh and I won't be breeding my girls, just pets. At least... not right yet
wink.png
. My boyfriend would have a meltdown! Maybe when we get a house.
Jessy (ScaredofShadows) is working on this as a project. She's been hatching out some chicks lately and would be a good person to talk to about it.
 
The only thing is, as far as the SOP is concerned, evidence of trimmed feathers is "Faking", which is a DQ. Obviously if the judge can't tell then you won't be DQ'd, but it's still technically "faking" (p. 30 of the SOP). Rather than trim those feathers, what about using hair tape like others do and tape the crests up so the birds can see? That way, when it's time to show, you can remove the tape and and it won't be a problem.

I am with you, though, it's something I dislike about the breed and the large crests -- I think a bird deserves to see what's going on in the world around it.
Unless they have really huge crests, it seems to be the muffs that cause most of the problem.
 
Quote: baby nail scissors.

Sit them in your lap, body held between your legs. One hand holds head and positions it, the other uses the scissors to gently snip away feathers blocking vision. When you think you are done, hold the bird at eye level and see if you can see eyes. If not, trim a bit more.

Also, so you know the proper way to hold a chicken? Hand faceup under their breast, spread your fingers apart and slide them around the legs. Tighten your hand, and you should have a good grasp on the bird. Put the other hand on top of their wings and the bird should feel secure and not flap about.
 

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