Silkie breeding, genetics & showing

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote: 20% more or less than the states weight is a DQ. 20% of 36 oz is 7.2 oz, so a cock weighing less than 28.8 oz or more than 43.2 oz should be disqualified. A bird closer to the prescribed weight should place over one that is of equal quality, but farther from the weight. The standard is a bit unclear on a bird that is closer to, but above the weight versus one who is farther from, but below the weight (equal quality).

I do not think that there are any good general assumptions about weight and over versus undersized. What one breeder experiences may not be what one with different lines encounters. Also, some lines develop more rapidly or slowly than others, and that can make difference in weight, too (none of my 4 month old silkies have ever looked as mature as the bird in the above photo). If your birds are overall too large, I would suggest getting birds that are on the small side and breeding to them. Or vice versa.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote: Time for one thing. You would probably need to add on at least a couple of extra hours to judging, which would mean at least one extra judge, which means several hundred dollars more.

An alternative that I have seen at gokart races is that the winners are weighed, not every kart. That would cut the amount of time down, but still add on an extra layer of management and red tape, and since birds are only placed two places, additional decisions would have to be made if one of the two did not meet weight, and that translates to more time required by the judges.

 

[peepblessed]

20% more or less than the states weight is a DQ. 20% of 36 oz is 7.2 oz, so a cock weighing less than 28.8 oz or more than 43.2 oz should be disqualified. A bird closer to the prescribed weight should place over one that is of equal quality, but farther from the weight. The standard is a bit unclear on a bird that is closer to, but above the weight versus one who is farther from, but below the weight (equal quality).

I do not think that there are any good general assumptions about weight and over versus undersized. What one breeder experiences may not be what one with different lines encounters. Also, some lines develop more rapidly or slowly than others, and that can make difference in weight, too (none of my 4 month old silkies have ever looked as mature as the bird in the above photo). If your birds are overall too large, I would suggest getting birds that are on the small side and breeding to them. Or vice versa.

Yes, he and his brother are very mature looking. I suspect they will both be too big. Going to have to do some weighing... They are both awesome birds except for big combs and color issues. Hoping it's all fluff which they have a ton of.

 

[aoxa]

 If your birds are overall too large, I would suggest getting birds that are on the small side and breeding to them.  Or vice versa.

I was going to ask if this would work, but felt silly asking it

My cock is just the right size, I have a hen that is a little heavier than she should be, and a pullet much smaller than she should be, and a hen just perfect. Right now the hen that was too small produced babies that are the size of her and they are only 12 weeks old. Does that make sense? :/

 

[Hawkeye95]

20% more or less than the states weight is a DQ. 20% of 36 oz is 7.2 oz, so a cock weighing less than 28.8 oz or more than 43.2 oz should be disqualified. A bird closer to the prescribed weight should place over one that is of equal quality, but farther from the weight. The standard is a bit unclear on a bird that is closer to, but above the weight versus one who is farther from, but below the weight (equal quality).

I do not think that there are any good general assumptions about weight and over versus undersized. What one breeder experiences may not be what one with different lines encounters. Also, some lines develop more rapidly or slowly than others, and that can make difference in weight, too (none of my 4 month old silkies have ever looked as mature as the bird in the above photo). If your birds are overall too large, I would suggest getting birds that are on the small side and breeding to them. Or vice versa.

Oh, good to know, Sonoran!! I've already added it to my notes. So at least I realize there is a bit of give on either end.. not a whole lot, but enough that makes sense. I might for the heck of it try breeding to my teeny tiny runts and see what happens! Just for grins... would be awesome if it worked out. Although, they aren't the prettiest right now, not sure if I want to go there, but figure I can cull them if it doesn't work. I'll have to post one next to a sibling that is "normal" sized and see your jaws drop.

Yes, he and his brother are very mature looking. I suspect they will both be too big. Going to have to do some weighing... They are both awesome birds except for big combs and color issues. Hoping it's all fluff which they have a ton of.

Personally, I like his comb the way it is, and his crest is really pretty. But yeah, if it gets any bigger, that will just be enormous!! I hope he is all fluff and not weight. I'll be interested to see what everyone's cocks weigh in at.

 

[littlecritters]

Not really.  I bring in new blood occasionally, and place birds together that seem to make good sets.  No real system.  I'm not good at that kind of organization and record keeping.  There was a recent discussion on the ASBC yahoo group on line breeding or alternative breeding styles.  I largely agree with Alan's posts.

Is that yahoo group open to all ASBC members? If so, could I join? What would be the name of the group?

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote: Anyone can join. All new members are moderated until they have made a few posts and shown that they are not spammers. It has nothing to do with the club anymore, although at one time years ago it was the original club website: groups.yahoo.com/group/asbc

 

[Hawkeye95]

Anyone can join. All new members are moderated until they have made a few posts and shown that they are not spammers. It has nothing to do with the club anymore, although at one time years ago it was the original club website: groups.yahoo.com/group/asbc

It's already at 106 right now... but I really want to get some wing pictures and I have a back picture I want to get taken for everyone's input. But I was out there hooking up misters again and checking on horses and I'm melting... ugh. Highs next week are going to be around 110-114. I'm soooo not looking forward to another brutal week.

 

[peepblessed]

It's already at 106 right now... but I really want to get some wing pictures and I have a back picture I want to get taken for everyone's input. But I was out there hooking up misters again and checking on horses and I'm melting... ugh. Highs next week are going to be around 110-114. I'm soooo not looking forward to another brutal week.

I feel sooo bad for you!!! Hopefully your humidity is low enough the misters will work well.

 

[Hawkeye95]

I feel sooo bad for you!!! Hopefully your humidity is low enough the misters will work well.

it is-- super duper dry out here. Hardly any humidity at all. It's like an oven. I still may run out there in a bit and try to get another picture.