Silkie breeding, genetics & showing

[sager:)silkies]

Goodness, all this talk about sun bleaching of feathers and what's "proper" coop materials, make me think I'm glad my silkie is already a yellow colored buff or partridge (breeder called it partirdge, but it looks more buff to me) so my bird can enjoy the sunshine and not worry about the feathers changing colors.

However it does make me a little bit concerned about my gray and porcelain d'uccles - but that's for another thread.

if u dont show birds then the off colouring inst that bad for my pet stock all my whites look yellow as the free range everyday and get corn

 

[sager:)silkies]

Goodness, all this talk about sun bleaching of feathers and what's "proper" coop materials, make me think I'm glad my silkie is already a yellow colored buff or partridge (breeder called it partirdge, but it looks more buff to me) so my bird can enjoy the sunshine and not worry about the feathers changing colors.

However it does make me a little bit concerned about my gray and porcelain d'uccles - but that's for another thread.

if u dont show birds then the off colouring inst that bad for my pet stock all my whites look yellow as the free range everyday and get corn

 

[Hawkeye95]

Goodness, all this talk about sun bleaching of feathers and what's "proper" coop materials, make me think I'm glad my silkie is already a yellow colored buff or partridge (breeder called it partirdge, but it looks more buff to me) so my bird can enjoy the sunshine and not worry about the feathers changing colors.

However it does make me a little bit concerned about my gray and porcelain d'uccles - but that's for another thread.

If you're not actively showing, then it's really not that bad. They can be outside and it won't matter if they get a bit sunburned. But if you are showing and breeding like most of us are, then it's a very BAD thing. Especially with the silkie Eastern Nationals on Oct 27th and then I have a Fall Classic in November... there isn't much time to get them all into condition if you haven't already started months ago. I've had mine mostly out of the sun, but there are a couple of spots they can lay in the sun. Also, if they are running around with boys and girls, then you are likely to have out of condition birds. I have kept the roosters in a different place from the hens/pullets. There is a lot to consider if you will be showing. If this is something you are wanting to do, then you should have started long before now. I just had a show in August, so I have just kept up the habits. Unfortunately, after my Spring shows, I did throw in my hens back with my rooster thinking it was okay, and now they are out of condition and I can't use them. Thank goodness I didn't do that with all of my birds. But with them being outside, they are a bit grungy because they are out there being happy chickens, but otherwise in pretty good shape. Partridges aren't buff in color, so I'm not sure what kind of bird you might have-- perhaps a mix. So long as you are enjoying yourself, it doesn't matter.

 

[Adoravachick]

I am a little concerned if I should hold onto to this tiny pullet. She is the same age as her hatchmate in the photo. They are 3 months old. Can she catch up? She's got the best wings and floot placement of the group, just TINY. She has no hard feathers in her tail, but there isn't a whole lot of tail in general. There is a sale this weekend and I am contemplating letting her go. If a food regimen will help, I am interested. She has potential to be a nice little breeder or show bird if she shapes up right. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Please excuse their filth, playing in the dirt.

 

[chisNchickens]

I am a little concerned if I should hold onto to this tiny pullet. She is the same age as her hatchmate in the photo. They are 3 months old. Can she catch up? She's got the best wings and floot placement of the group, just TINY. She has no hard feathers in her tail, but there isn't a whole lot of tail in general. There is a sale this weekend and I am contemplating letting her go. If a food regimen will help, I am interested. She has potential to be a nice little breeder or show bird if she shapes up right. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Please excuse their filth, playing in the dirt.

If you are talking about the one on the left, I like her most of the two. Three months is young, and tails often are the last to come in. I'd give her a chance. If you are like
the rest of us you'll likely at some point have a gorgeous roo that is too large and that little girl might be perfect in that situation. I'd worry more about too big than too small anyway. And she doesn't look that big...she's a cutie. I would hold onto her, unless you are just over-loaded with better girls;-)

 

[thedragonlady]

I am a little concerned if I should hold onto to this tiny pullet. She is the same age as her hatchmate in the photo. They are 3 months old. Can she catch up? She's got the best wings and floot placement of the group, just TINY. She has no hard feathers in her tail, but there isn't a whole lot of tail in general. There is a sale this weekend and I am contemplating letting her go. If a food regimen will help, I am interested. She has potential to be a nice little breeder or show bird if she shapes up right. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Please excuse their filth, playing in the dirt.

Let the larger P. go! I like this little one!

 

[Hawkeye95]

If you are talking about the one on the left, I like her most of the two. Three months is young, and tails often are the last to come in. I'd give her a chance. If you are like
the rest of us you'll likely at some point have a gorgeous roo that is too large and that little girl might be perfect in that situation. I'd worry more about too big than too small anyway. And she doesn't look that big...she's a cutie. I would hold onto her, unless you are just over-loaded with better girls;-)

I agree with chisNchickens-- this little one isn't too little to get too concerned about. I still have a couple of "micro" silkies that are smaller than that! LOL I would pair her with a heavy rooster, or even just a roo to complement her and I doubt you'll wind up with too-small birds. This is one I would pair with one of my heavier roos-- offset him in weight. He's not any taller/bigger, but boy is he built-- solid chunk. I like her and I think it would be a mistake to sell her.

 

[aoxa]

I agree with chisNchickens-- this little one isn't too little to get too concerned about. I still have a couple of "micro" silkies that are smaller than that! LOL I would pair her with a heavy rooster, or even just a roo to complement her and I doubt you'll wind up with too-small birds. This is one I would pair with one of my heavier roos-- offset him in weight. He's not any taller/bigger, but boy is he built-- solid chunk. I like her and I think it would be a mistake to sell her.

I like that - Micro silkies.. I have one, and she is about the size of my Ameraucana bantams, who are really tiny. She makes regular sized babies that are adorable and fluffy - so she shall stay

My micro silkie is the dark one. Her 8-10 week old baby is right beside her. She is 2 years old.

 

[Adoravachick]

Thanks for your input, I have the room, so I'll keep her and see how she turns out.

 

[Me & Jack]

Goodness, all this talk about sun bleaching of feathers and what's "proper" coop materials, make me think I'm glad my silkie is already a yellow colored buff or partridge (breeder called it partirdge, but it looks more buff to me) so my bird can enjoy the sunshine and not worry about the feathers changing colors.

However it does make me a little bit concerned about my gray and porcelain d'uccles - but that's for another thread.

My Silkies have it pretty good. Living indoors they may not get much sunshine, 'cept what comes through the windows, but they get greens everyday, either store-bought or from my lawn and garden, they never have to worry about predators, especially since they can't see the airborne variety, and they are protected from rain, snow, and bitter winds. As for "proper" coop materials, it really boils down to what works best for each person, not what is "right" or "best". I worry a lot less about my indoor birds than I do about my outdoor birds. Guess it's a similar argument for why some people are against cats being let outside. Just like neighborhood cats killing birds, I don't ever worry about my chickens decimating the local bug populations. LOL