Silkie breeding, genetics & showing

[thedragonlady]

Could you please share what is involved in show coop training? Thanks in advance!

Show coop training involves getting Silkies used to being up in a show coop, being handled, and teaching them to pose. A judge has perhaps 2-3 minutes to look at your bird. If the bird is used to being handled, and being in a show coop, it will make the judges job much easier. Judges are not thrilled with squatting, terrified birds, or birds that hit the wire in panic when the coop is opened. Friendly, relaxed birds show much better. Silkies are much less stressed if they know exactly where their food and water is, and that food and water is the same as it is at home. Always take your own water and feed!

Training is easy. Simply put the birds you intend to show up in a show coop for a month before the show, and take them out every day as a judge would in examining it. A few treats so they come to the door looking perky and friendly too. All my Silkies were kept up in show coops (Jap coop size) on kitty litter. I simply sieved the kitty litter every day. This ensures calm birds, with feathers in good condition, and no muddy feet to deal with too. Clean, bug free, and DRY are key to Silkies being in good condition.

 

[peepblessed]

Show coop training involves getting Silkies used to being up in a show coop, being handled, and teaching them to pose. A judge has perhaps 2-3 minutes to look at your bird. If the bird is used to being handled, and being in a show coop, it will make the judges job much easier. Judges are not thrilled with squatting, terrified birds, or birds that hit the wire in panic when the coop is opened. Friendly, relaxed birds show much better. Silkies are much less stressed if they know exactly where their food and water is, and that food and water is the same as it is at home. Always take your own water and feed!

Training is easy. Simply put the birds you intend to show up in a show coop for a month before the show, and take them out every day as a judge would in examining it. A few treats so they come to the door looking perky and friendly too. All my Silkies were kept up in show coops (Jap coop size) on kitty litter. I simply sieved the kitty litter every day. This ensures calm birds, with feathers in good condition, and no muddy feet to deal with too. Clean, bug free, and DRY are key to Silkies being in good condition.

What kind of kitty litter do you use? Are all brands safe?

 

[CGinJCMO]

so chickens aren't prone to eating kitty litter? I've been afraid to dump my kitty litter anywhere the chickens could get to it thinking they might eat it thinking it would be good grit for the gizzard. Even the non clumping kind is "clay" and potentially cause an impaction.

CG

 

[peepblessed]

Any thoughts on this boy? He is full of pin feathers.

Based on this photo alone, I really like him, but he has quite a few hard feathers in his tail. You don't say how old he is. That would make a difference for me on his wings.

 

[Adoravachick]

hard to see his comb on this one. But his crest and tail are very nice. His wings hang lower than you want, but so do most of my roosters. Check his wings for any problems and his feet for good feathering. But otherwise, he looks pretty good. Are you wanting to show him or breed him? Weigh him before you show him.. I was DQ'd at the last show for weight on my rooster.




So I went to the Kansas State Fair yesterday and this is the FIRST time I've ever seen really nice silkies there! They had a lot of AOV's, too!! There was a really nice "Frost" there, and I took a picture of her, but she was upset and pacing so much, I don't know how well the picture came out. I'll try to post her in a bit.

I would like to use him in my breeding pen and maybe show him. Overall, he is quiet handsome, but his comb does concern me. As far as his wings, he was actually strutting for the hen that was behind me. So naturally, he lowered his wings and was leaning towards me. The picture that I had sent to you previously, it was the same case....the hen was in the crate next to him so he was dancing around for her.


I wonder if the frost that you saw was from that farm in TX that is working on project colors? Their birds are AMAZING!!

 

[Adoravachick]

Based on this photo alone, I really like him, but he has quite a few hard feathers in his tail. You don't say how old he is. That would make a difference for me on his wings.

He's almost 5 months.

 

[thedragonlady]

What kind of kitty litter do you use? Are all brands safe?

I used the least dusty available, non scented. You might get it at automotive shops too, as they use it to absorb oil. The kitty litter makes poop just roll of the bottoms of their feet, reduces staining, and helps to grow more foot feathers.. Check, and clean feet every day when you screen the litter.

 

[Hawkeye95]

I would like to use him in my breeding pen and maybe show him. Overall, he is quiet handsome, but his comb does concern me. As far as his wings, he was actually strutting for the hen that was behind me. So naturally, he lowered his wings and was leaning towards me. The picture that I had sent to you previously, it was the same case....the hen was in the crate next to him so he was dancing around for her.


I wonder if the frost that you saw was from that farm in TX that is working on project colors? Their birds are AMAZING!!

You don't have much to worry about that comb. Very nice... it's a bit lighter on the sides???? Or maybe the picture. Seems to be a good shape and pretty good color. Is that a bit of red in it or not? If not, then he's fine! And his comb is nice and on the smaller side -- not hanging out huge. I doubt this silkie I saw was from TX. I was trying to get the picture uploaded from my phone and now we have to leave for the theatre (Lion King!). I'll get it posted when I get back. She was so pretty!!

 

[thedragonlady]

so chickens aren't prone to eating kitty litter? I've been afraid to dump my kitty litter anywhere the chickens could get to it thinking they might eat it thinking it would be good grit for the gizzard. Even the non clumping kind is "clay" and potentially cause an impaction.

CG

Most of my birds were on kitty litter form the age of 4 months until at least 8 - 12 years old. Never had a problem.

 

[bcluff]

Hi guys!!! So i have two little silkies about 6 weeks of age and they both seem to be growing what looks like a comb?? Their beaks are bigger towards the front and they have the little ridges growing. Does this mean that they are males?