Silkie Breeding

[piper123]

I have two silkies, a rooster and a hen, that are really nice quality and that I would like to breed. The only problem is, they came from a local breeder and they are most likely brother and sister. Would this be a genetic issue or would the chicks be okay?

 

[Stiggy]

it should be ok, but get a new rooster the season after, just to bring in more genetics. some people will say its a bad idea, but in general animals are often bred back to their siblings/ half sibilings etc etc then afterwards for the next gen more genetics are thrown into the mix. unless the breeder only had one hen and one rooster, then it is unlikely that they are full siblings, if that was so/ all of the hens they had were all related dirfectly then it would have been irresponsible. the other option is to get another rooster and more hens, put the related rooster over the unrelated hens, and the related hen ( and a few others) over the unrelated rooster. then next season use the pullets over the related rooster. chickens and some other animals wont have problems with this, just don't do it over and over, one season wont hurt. but its up to you

 

[piper123]

Thank you! That is very helpful