If you trim a crest, it will not grow back till the bird molts out. If you pull the feathers out, it will start the growing process right away. It is the feathers in front of and nearest the eyes you want to trim mostly.
Whenever I get new people asking me about silkies to buy when they have not ever owned them I tell them the following.
Because mine are show silkies, they do not do well in a mixed pen of other birds, like large fowl or even bantams that are more sighted. I prefer the buyer to have a seperate pen for them as the sikies will likely be picked on and because most of mine are crested, a good bonk ont he head could give them brain damage or even kill them quickly. They cannot fly so I do not free range due to that and the fact they do not see as well and get lost easily. Mine do not go out much (their choice) and much prefer the small spaces to a large pen. They are content with little room to room. Extremely prone to mites on top of the head due to easy blood flow. They are pampered and much less a hardy breed that your typical layer flock...
I tell people this not to discourage them from buying, but I want them well informed in their purchase for their and the birds sake. Sometimes Silkies are not ideal for each family. Just that they need more care.
