Silkie thread!

[Sonoran Silkies]

Here is the Silkie that I thought was Grey, but the judge said Lemon Blue? on my entry card. Can anyone tell me if this is a lemon blue Silkie or if there is even such thing as a lemon blue Silkie

Not lemon blue. THIS is lemon blue:
from Feathersite; Glen Cryar's Lemon Blue Modern bantam male
Photo courtesy of Dennis Sherer


A hen from Feathersite:

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote: Greys should not look blue...

But I agree, it doesn't look grey.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote: LOL...I changed it to a duckie I got for my granddaughter's Easter Basket...my son likes gnomes, and with that name, I couldn't resist. Grandbaby also got a "Duckerina" duckie, as I knew her mommie would love it. First year presents are fun as they are often for the joy of entertaining the parents...(and grandparents)

 

[silkiefive]

I found the people at the feed stores I go to really know nothing about feeding or nutrition. I go to agway and when I ask anything about the food they stare at me blankly and say "uuuuhh... I don't know.." Even the woman at blue seal who said she was a judge and breeder had no idea what she was talking about!

Thats true, but the worst is when they dont know and pretend they do and give you bad advise, dont u think so ?
I ve been reading several replies about FF around here and really would like to give it a try, so will do some research through this forum, I know there are several recipes, but the problem is that some ingredients are hard to find or very expensive here in my country, by the way the woman who sold me the silkies told me to feed them with cooked rice or pasta from time to time, but forward in this thread i read that rice should be avoided in FF, on its own too?

What Painted Feathers said.

Your 12 girls do not need the layer, so keep everyone on starter, a good protein grower, or a flock raiser.

I was told by a friend with a degree in animal science and nutrition that a good game bird layer is a very good thing to use for your breeding birds for the 3 months of breeding season. It has additional calcium, which helps with fertility and strong/healthy eggs for hatching. I am very cautious with additional calcium. I would only offer it during peak breeding season (March - May). The friend that told me this is Jamie Carson. He works with some of the best white silkies in Canada. When he talks about feed I know he knows what he is talking about.

NOTE: This wasn't directed at jessicaroo, it's just info for anyone who wants to take it for what it's worth. Jessicaroo, if you are not breeding your birds right now - I would just stick to a starter/grower type of food - like what I posted at the bottom.

http://www.wildlife.purinamills.com/products/ECMD2-0017384.aspx

Game Bird Layena​

​

A 20%-protein breeder diet formulated for fertility, egg production, and chick vigor. Feed from one month prior to start of egg production until birds is out of egg production.

• Balanced levels of amino acids, energy vitamins and minerals keeps breeders in top condition for egg production and hatchability.
• Calcium fortified for strong egg shells.
• Complete feed - no mixing required.

​

Game Bird Flight Conditioner​

A 19 %-protein ration to stimulate growth and feathering in birds 6 to 16 weeks of age.

• High protein, low energy- promotes muscle and feather development while preventing excess fat.
• Balanced levels of amino acids and salt-provide maximum protection against cannibalism.
• Complete feed– crumble or pellet feed form.

​

This last food would be a good choice for the off season. Depending on the protein % you want. This is what I would use from June - February.


Now I am a fan of local feed over big corporations like Purina, but my local feed mill does not offer feed similar to this. I'm thinking I may even get my own mix done once my barn is rebuilt. I like options.


​

Good info!!! Thanks

 

[aoxa]

Greys should not look blue...

But I agree, it doesn't look grey.

Well blue looks grey to me and grey looks grey to me. If we're talking about actual colours and not chickens, the base colour is grey for both blue and grey.

almost looks like a really dull partridge. Kind of like my frizzled silkie rooster I had.

as for your avatar, everyone is so sneaky.. I never know because I look at avatars and not the names. lol
It's a really cute easter gnome duck!

 

[ben is a terror]

do all silkies have blue ear lobes?

 

[moomoodiddy]

blue ear lobes r the standard

 

[CookFarms]

do all silkies have blue ear lobes?

most do, but some are alot more noticeable than others

 

[peepblessed]

do all silkies have blue ear lobes?

They are supposed to have bright turquoise but occasionally they don't. I had a roo with white lobes.

 

[Cockle-Dood]

i currently have 1 silkie, but am getting more in about 2.5 weeks once they hatch. The lady i am getting them from set a dozen and i am getting whatever hatches. I am wanting to make a separate silkie pen but ws wondering what is best for silkies? i dont wanna put them with my LF laying flock, so they will be getting their own home.

do silkies do alot of scracthing or are they more content in more of an enclosed run/coup?