Silkie thread!

[Suzierd]

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The second photo didn't show in your first post because the codes were overlapping.

He is a pretty boy, but not great quality. His tail has too many hard feathers, and is too small for his body size. His back is too long. His crest is too small for his size, as is his beard (he doesn't look quite non-bearded). I'm not quite sure what variety he is. His wings look pretty good.

The ideal silkie rooster has a large ball-shaped body, with a spherical tail that is roughly half the diameter of the body; head, including crest is another sphere that is about 1/2 to 2/3rd the size of the tail. A silkie presents neither a horizontal (RIR) nor a vertical (runner ducks) stance; it is right between those extremes. Wings are held horizontally and high, head is vertical, with a slightly pouffed out chest (like a serama, but not as extreme). This is not in the words of the standard, but I think it gives a pretty good description of type. Others, please feel free to add in to this.

IMO, if you are wanting to breed show quality chicks, this is not a good choice for the sire.

Thanks so much for this info. Very helpfull. I think I will take a look at fair and see if someone has some for sale.
I love looking at all these Silkie pictures! so cute. Thanks again

 

[pennie1]

Anybody going to the WI International this year?

 

[CupOJoe42]

I'm in CT and eventually want to breed Silkies. What is the best way to get started? I currently have 2 blue and 2 white chicks (just over a week old) that are being raised with 12 other assorted breeds. Should I separate the Silkies and if so, when? How would I find a reputable breeder in CT? Is it safe to order outside of CT? Should I order hatching eggs and buy an incubator or put them under a broody hen? Am I better off buying already hatched chicks? Any information you can share would be appreciated! Feel free to email or PM me!!!

 

[Debbi]

The quickest, and cheapest way in the long run, is to buy a trio (one roo, 2 pullets), of near grown or fully grown birds. That way, you save money on feed, and time spent wondering how they are going to turn out. Lots of times, the ones that look promising as chicks, don't turn out well in the end. The initial cost may be up there, but if you take into account the time and money it takes to get them grown, it can be well worth it. Buy from a reputable breeder that has proven show stock. You can find many here on BYC. That said, even when you do buy the "best", there is no guarantee you will get "show quality" chicks from them, but your chances are far better.

 

[countrygirl911]

well we have 28 chicks so far out of 33 would of been 29 but the painted chick died not long after it zipped it was still in the egg it was zipped half way i wonder if i shrinked wrapped it the membrane was white and started to turn yellow it seemed to still feel wet a little. i hadt to open the incubator twice for about 10 seconds each because i had a chick that half the shell was gone but the membrane was intact and the chick was moving and chirping so i had to tear the membrane. could i have killed the little painted one my only pained one my daughter is going to be so upset. also one of the 28 for some reason will not stand up on its feet and it lays there with its wings out getting stepped on. Oh a good note i got at least 28 silkies out of it so far.

 

[Teresaann24]

If anyone is interested in some lavender split chicks I have 8 for sale $4 each pick up only Eastern ky. They are PQ

 

[djennings]

MY momma silkie hatched 2 of her 5. I hatched 6 in incubator, gave them to her also, she is such a good first mommy. First pic is a little BBQ pit about 10 high and about 4 inches wide with a blue silkie.

This one is mommy and babies

 

[peepblessed]

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That's a really hard blow on the paint chick. So very sorry, but thankful you had a good over all hatch. In my last hatch, I had a chick that couldn't stand and kept rolling on to its back with legs in the air. I propped it up with the bedding and kept checking on it and 2 or 3 hours later it was running around and fine.

 

[peepblessed]

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Too cute!!

 

[countrygirl911]

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That's a really hard blow on the paint chick. So very sorry, but thankful you had a good over all hatch. In my last hatch, I had a chick that couldn't stand and kept rolling on to its back with legs in the air. I propped it up with the bedding and kept checking on it and 2 or 3 hours later it was running around and fine.

the one i am worried about just lays there all flattened out and not getting up and lets the others walk all over him or her. the painted chick its membrane was wet and moist but not soaking wet and the4 chick felt dry did i shrink wrap him or her to save the other chick or did it die before that. it had somewhat zipped was not even half way around the egg yet it was about 2 inches long maybe 3 inches zippep if that.