Silkie breeding, genetics & showing

[pattiiz]

I would love to hear critiques on my birds as they are my first.

 

[bargain]

Thanks, now I'm like down to two show birds for next week.

Jharper, please please please don't bring any of your birds to the shows. From the pic, it looks like MG, I understand your enthusiasm to show but by your bringing to a show you could cause massive outbreaks of disease ending in the pain, suffering and death of the other birds that were there, plus the enthusiasts at the show who may NOT know that they need to complete clean their clothes, shower and their shoes when they return before they see their birds. I know you do not want that.... No one does. There will be other times to show. Please! Thank you and sorry for your losses.

 

[rcstanley]

Had a silly newbie silkie question (hope this is an ok place to post): are silkies softer than other chicken breeds when you touch them?

My kids want to get a silkie next year if we get chickens because they look so soft and fluffy, but I've heard mixed things about them in the cold and snow (Utah). I was wondering if they really are as soft as they look or if other breeds are comparable (for example buff orpingtons are supposed to be soft as well.)

I don't know anyone with a silkie that I could touch, so I thought I'd ask the experts.

 

[Jharper]

Again i'd advise you not to bring your birds. It's your call but with them being sick and you just having to cull one because of what looks like MG you could possibly be dooming everyone else's chickens. State protocol for a flock that is diagnosed with MG is either a flock lockdown or complete extermination...

Alright.

 

[ChickNmamma]

Had a silly newbie silkie question (hope this is an ok place to post): are silkies softer than other chicken breeds when you touch them?

My kids want to get a silkie next year if we get chickens because they look so soft and fluffy, but I've heard mixed things about them in the cold and snow (Utah). I was wondering if they really are as soft as they look or if other breeds are comparable (for example buff orpingtons are supposed to be soft as well.)

I don't know anyone with a silkie that I could touch, so I thought I'd ask the experts.

Yes, they are soft and fluffy. They do fine in the cold, they were playing in the snow at my house. Just let them have an area they can get warm and dry (does NOT need to be heated, just draft free) and they will be fine.

I lost my cat awhile ago and when I want to pet something soft I go pickup one of my Silkies.

 

[Jharper]

Jharper, please please please don't bring any of your birds to the shows.  From the pic, it looks like MG,  I understand your enthusiasm to show but by your bringing to a show you could cause massive outbreaks of disease ending in the pain, suffering and death of the other birds that were there, plus the enthusiasts at the show who may NOT know that they need to complete clean their clothes, shower and their shoes when they return before they see their birds.   I know you do not want that.... No one does.   There will be other times to show.   Please!  Thank you and sorry for your losses.

I've already paid for them.

 

[PaintedFeathers]

I've already paid for them.

Ask if you can have your entry fee refunded because your birds got sick and you can't bring them anymore and need the money. I am sure they would rather return your money than have you bringing in birds that could be sick.

 

[jorey]

I would also think that if other owners found out it was you who caused the loss of their showbirds and possibly their entire flock you ll be in for a loss greater than just entry fees.

 

[Jharper]

I would also think that if other owners found out it was you who caused the loss of their showbirds and possibly their entire flock you ll be in for a loss greater than just entry fees.

They didn't start getting sick until after we got them tagged around all them other birds.

 

[ChickNmamma]

Quote:
Then in that case I would report it - because its possibly somebody elses birds are the carriers - and more will fall sick. You won't be the typhoid Mary - but its best to keep your birds away from any other flock until you know exactly what you are dealing with. If somebody else had a bird that had a "cold" and got better, and they brought it in to be tagged for the show... that can be where your birds caught it. Don't spread it any further.