Silkie question, please help

[carriehelene]

I have a male and female Silkie. I bought them at a swapmeet because they were so cute. To me, they represent the breed well, I think. But now I have several people who want to buy silkies from me after seeing mine. I only have the 2, and my hen isn't laying yet. So I'm looking to buy Silkie eggs. What I'm wondering is, what exactly should I be looking for? There are several auctions here now, but I don't really know if they are good quality or not. I like my silkies cuz they are cute. But if I'm going to go as far as hatching, breeding and selling to people, I should at least know what quality I'm selling. Wouldn't want to over or under charge for them, and not mis-leading a customer is important to me. Can anyone help by telling me what good quality silkies should have?

I know they should have: black skin, 5 toes, blue lobes-(? I think). What else? If you can direct me to some good, clear pics of quality silkies, that show the details, that would be helpful too. Thanks, Carrie

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

You also want to make sure that they have heavy soft feathering at least to the middle toe. A nice dark walnut comb. Nice dark eyes. Try looking at hattrick silkies, they have amazing birds.

 

[Brody's Broodello]

You need to read the breed standard. Or go to the breed club, then you will be able to see what a good silkie should look like. Try also going to a show.

 

[keesmom]

I find myself in a similar situation. I have my first group of 18 silkie chicks ranging from 4-6 months old. It's now time to decide who is staying and who is going. But I'm not sure what to look for. It's not easy to find that "perfect" silkie. Is there a site or articles somewhere that discuss which traits (comb size and color, toes, foot feathering, wing placement) are easy to correct, and which defects are likely to continue in the line?

 

[iluvmychicks]

I would suggest(like stated above) learning the Silkie Standard. You can purchase the Standard of Perfection or a Bantam Standard, both books are chuck full of information, not only on Silkies but all breeds recognized by the APA and ABA. Talk to reputable breeders, most are happy to share information about the breeds they raise. Go to a poultry show, take a good look at the winning birds in the class. Another great source is the American Silkie Bantam Club, lots of information and pictures of fantastic birds.

Shari