For exhibition, the variety is based upon appearance; for breeding, you need to know the genetics behind it. No one has yet determined that there IS a paint gene, and many specifically think there is not; that it is simply dominant white. Your bird looks buff, and that is what I would call it. It does not look like the champagne-coloured birds from paint breeding; they are a different hue. There are plenty of others who have gotten buff or partially buff birds from paint breeding. There are so many things crossed with paints, including recessive white that I think it is making it harder than it was originally to figure out the genetics behind paint.Thank you so much Dragonlady...I do appreciate all of your advice very much. Usually my silkies are on sand but the recent downpours has destroyed my pens. I think sand is the only way you can keep them clean and dry outdoors. I was afraid Chester would be a bit hard in the cushion. I don't know why he looks so long in the pics. I will try to get better pics when I have time and on a better surface. I wanted to get some feedback ASAP so I could decide who may go to the Newnan, GA show and I could put them up...especially the girls so Chester would not mess their feather and crests up.
The woman I got the buff from said I could not call them buff...I guess because they carry the paint gene but they look buff to me.She is lighter in color in the cushion and under the wing part. I would like to show her just to get feedback. At this point that is the only reason I show mine is to get judges opinions and they have been so nice to do so. I showed Chester last Nov. and he took 2nd in variety. Absolutely knocked my socks off! There where A LOT of white cocks there. At 8 mo. is that old enough to show as a pullet?
If the weather does not get as lousy as they say I am doing butt washings today. They do not like it but I can't stand it! I have just changed feed and even doing it gradually has given them a bit of a runny stool. Is there any type of conditioning feeding I can use to prepare for the show?
Here is what my project bird for a sillkie looks like. I am thinking since both are crested though different types it will take a few generations to breed true. From the oopsy crosses that I have gotten with silkie and another breed they always passed on the 5 toes. This is my diluted Polish. I will finish with that til I get better pics of my possible birds to show. You have helped me eliminate it down to 3 to choose 2 from.
I like the colour of your project bird
You should see a lot of improvement in type with each generation. At least I did with my chocolates, which bred in from polish.
