Silkie breeding, genetics & showing

[Me & Jack]

I would like some discussion on red comb/wattles. My understanding is that bright red is a DQ. Darker red would be missing points, but how many and how dark to be passable?

A "bright red comb, face or wattles" would be a DQ. So if it was close to or bordering on looking red it would be DQ'd. Otherwise the color is supposed to be "deep mulberry" to "deep mulberry, approaching black." As for losing points: not specified, but if a judge felt it was too light he could simple DQ. He or she would be looking to place birds with darker combs higher, all other things being equal.

 

[littlecritters]

Quote: I went back to look, and I'm just not sure what you're seeing. I did see the body feathers coming over the top of the wings in one picture-- those are short and fluffy. I couldn't see a good span where there were obvious shorter feathers. It may be more apparent to you since you already know what you are looking for in the context of the pictures. And I'm a very visual person, so I'm not a lot of help if I can't see it well!

Thanks for looking Hawkeye. I'm visual also and will try for more pics. These black silkies are the squirmiest of the bunch and they are tough to photograph. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Hawkeye95]

Thanks for looking Hawkeye. I'm visual also and will try for more pics. These black silkies are the squirmiest of the bunch and they are tough to photograph.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I've noticed my dark blues (nearly black) are VERY testy and more irritable than my splash. I got bit this morning twice by two different blue cranky teenage cockerels starting to feel the hormones. Sheesh. I love my older rooster, so sweet and much calmer.

 

[Adoravachick]

I've noticed my dark blues (nearly black) are VERY testy and more irritable than my splash. I got bit this morning twice by two different blue cranky teenage cockerels starting to feel the hormones. Sheesh. I love my older rooster, so sweet and much calmer.

I know how that is....I look around, all of a sudden, 5 roos and going through the same thing. My oldest roo, Eli, let a few hens wandered off yesterday because he was so busy chest bumping and showing off for the little roos. Seriously, Eli?

 

[KMHunter]

Hi!
I just found this thread and spent 2+ hours last night reading from the beginning. Whew! What a lot to take in.

I am new to silkies, got them for broodies, but now want to breed and show them. I want to keep it as simple as possible, just breeding for my own personal use.

I have a 17 week old blue ockerel whos back is a little too long. And I have 4 splash babies who are 12 weeks old. Not sure of the sex on those yet. Not the greatest of quality but could be good broodies if I get some girls.

I guess my questions are, How did you all get started aquiring your breeding stock?
And what is your breeding method? Pairs?, line breeding, etc?
I am so confused as to what method to use to keep things simple.
I have room to keep a few males seperate and a pen that I can split into two pens at the moment for breeding groups.
I also have a pen that I can use for pair breeding.

I just am worried about too much in breeding. Any thought?

All thoughts and opinions appreciated!

Sincerely,
Kim

 

[PNWGirl]

Hi Kim,
Nice to 'see' you here!!
Sheila

 

[peepblessed]

A "bright red comb, face or wattles" would be a DQ. So if it was close to or bordering on looking red it would be DQ'd. Otherwise the color is supposed to be "deep mulberry" to "deep mulberry, approaching black." As for losing points: not specified, but if a judge felt it was too light he could simple DQ. He or she would be looking to place birds with darker combs higher, all other things being equal.

Part of my question also relates to breeding. I'm selling this cockerel who I don't consider show quality but wondering if this comb would be a DQ. So wondering if he would be considered breed quality (just considering the comb)?

 

[ScaredOfShadows]

Part of my question also relates to breeding. I'm selling this cockerel who I don't consider show quality but wondering if this comb would be a DQ. So wondering if he would be considered breed quality (just considering the comb)?

that guy looks fine Peep, true its not 'dark' but it is far from being 'bright' red. On matters of the comb I'd still call him 'breeder' worthy

 

[peepblessed]

that guy looks fine Peep, true its not 'dark' but it is far from being 'bright' red. On matters of the comb I'd still call him 'breeder' worthy

So you don't think it would be a DQ in a show?

 

[littlecritters]

Hi!
I just found this thread and spent 2+ hours last night reading from the beginning. Whew! What a lot to take in.

I am new to silkies, got them for broodies, but now want to breed and show them. I want to keep it as simple as possible, just breeding for my own personal use.

I have a 17 week old blue ockerel whos back is a little too long. And I have 4 splash babies who are 12 weeks old. Not sure of the sex on those yet. Not the greatest of quality but could be good broodies if I get some girls.

I guess my questions are, How did you all get started aquiring your breeding stock?
And what is your breeding method? Pairs?, line breeding, etc?
I am so confused as to what method to use to keep things simple.
I have room to keep a few males seperate and a pen that I can split into two pens at the moment for breeding groups.
I also have a pen that I can use for pair breeding.

I just am worried about too much in breeding. Any thought?

All thoughts and opinions appreciated!

Sincerely,
Kim

Hi Kim, Welcome to the thread! I am also interested in exploring various breeding strategies and would love to hear what works best for the experienced breeders on this thread. Tina G.