Silkie breeding, genetics & showing

[clairebear]

I have to say, I think my Silkies are coping with the cold MUCH better than my poor White Rock Frizzle. He has a tough time staying warm when it gets cold. In fact, he spent some time inside my coat yesterday. Blustery day and he had a pretty bad case of the shivers.

Thanks for the info peepblessed and barngoddess. I'm leaning towards getting some this spring. They're so darned cute and broody!

 

[BarnGoddess01]

Quote:
If it is Mareks, it isn't always lethal and the sad (or not so sad, depending on how you look at it) fact is, any of your flock that does survive should be immune and stronger for it. I know it sucks if something is going on but we ALWAYS have to look for the bright side!

 

[fluffyfeathers]

This is dad. Keep in mind he is molting

And this is mom.

Here is the chick again.

Do you have photos of the parents?  I'm thinking partridge or blue partridge.  But the blue has to come from somewhere...

 

[Adoravachick]

The latest cockerel sounds like it could be Mareks. How old/young is the cockerel? Mareks usually effects younger birds. Have you disposed of your D'uccle? If you can stomach it, you might want to autopsy the D'uccle. If Mareks is the problem, you'll see it on her organs.

So sorry you are going through this. I hope you get to the bottom of it before you lose anymore.

Thank you.

I just don't know what is happening and why. He is 6 1/2 months. I did dispose of the d'uccle. What will I be looking on the organs?

 

[BarnGoddess01]

Quote:
Tumors.

6.5 months would be at the extreme end for Mareks but it still could be. I really do hope you get it figured out.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

This is dad. Keep in mind he is molting

And this is mom. Here is the chick again.
Quote: Mama might have blue. As in blue grey (kind of along the lines of silver blue).

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
Tumors.

6.5 months would be at the extreme end for Mareks but it still could be. I really do hope you get it figured out.
Mareks can occur at any age. It is just much more common in younger birds. Kind of like chicken pox, mumps and measles with kids vs adults (at least before they came up with vaccines for them)

 

[littlecritters]

Thank you.   I just don't know what is happening and why. He is 6 1/2 months.  I did dispose of the d'uccle.  What will I be looking on the organs? 

Oh my goodness, I am so sorry! I just can't believe it.... Hugs, Tina

 

[BarnGoddess01]

Quote:
Tumors.

6.5 months would be at the extreme end for Mareks but it still could be. I really do hope you get it figured out.
Mareks can occur at any age. It is just much more common in younger birds. Kind of like chicken pox, mumps and measles with kids vs adults (at least before they came up with vaccines for them)

You probably do want to try to find out what this is, especially if you lose the third bird. There is a vaccine for Mareks. Not everyone's cup of tea but if you know you have a problem, you might want to consider it.

 

[fluffyfeathers]

Thanks. I appreciate everyone's feedback. I'm learning a lot Here are three of this chicks siblings.

Mama might have blue.  As in blue grey (kind of along the lines of silver blue).