Silkie thread!

[jessicaroo]

Most feed stores have no clue about nutrition, so really shouldn't be giving advice. Just feed them something like this http://blueseal.com/product/?id=151 or this http://www.strombergschickens.com/product/3666/Chicken-Feed?s=GSHP&gclid=CLuRv4mnrrYCFUFo4Aodh1kA8g and just supply them with a dish of oyster shells.

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.

Oh dang, now I'm really wishing I had asked about feed sooner... Like before I purchased 600lbs of feed! Agh! We hafta order in bulk where we live because we are on a remote island and it is expensive to ship by barge here, several people in town order together to save on freight. I think it'll be a while before we order more. I may try a FF recipe like the ones posted. Thanks for your advice!

 

[sheeshshe]

I'm so sorry about macho he's a legendary silkie and will be missed

 

[SilkiesnFrizzle]

poor macho sorry for your loss...

I am so Sorry. He looks like he was full of personality and charm. You have wonderful pictures of him to remember him by.

 

[Suzierd]

Well, I have a death to report.

Of course, it's the one named silkie I have. My famed Macho. He cheated death once but not twice. I think it was another head injury from chasing hens, he had no mark on him and there was no blood. I'm going to miss him, but I'm not absolutely devastated for breeding. I've sort of fallen 'out of love' with him over the past few weeks. I've started to like my other roo more. He has a better crest, beard, comb, and much better foot feathering. He also is much more successful mating with the hens and I believe the chicks I have are all his based on their crests. Don't get me wrong, I'm going to miss my proud, chesty, 'heart boy' a lot. I'll miss his hen-chasing antics and tinny, squeaky crow. I'll miss the way he would suddenly freeze and strike a pose with his chest puffed out as much as possible. I buried him beneath our old mulberry bush (that is large enough to be a tree) and it was very sad having to bury all that beautiful fluff go beneath the soil. Here's to quite possibly the proudest silkie on earth. Bye my big sweet boy

This has broke my heart, I just loved this guy. So sorry he's gone.

 

[JacquiJ]

How does showing your chickens work? I mean in a show..

Like someone else said, most of the work is done waaay before the actual show!lol. The day before you will want to give them a bath and try to keep their feet clean.... The actual day of the show you will simply do some last minute grooming, then place them in the cage with your show number then you simply hang out with friends, look at the birds for sale, look at the other show birds etc. and of course watch nervously as the judges judge your birds! Haha.

I'm sorry for your loss! Love the pictures, how they show him growing up into such a handsome little guy.

X2 so sorry for your loss.

I just ordered myself a Silkie t-shirt! You can get these in different styles and prices at http://www.zazzle.com/silkie_chicken_humor_tees-235948309535743456

Too cute!!!

 

[peepblessed]

Well, I have a death to report.

Of course, it's the one named silkie I have. My famed Macho. He cheated death once but not twice. I think it was another head injury from chasing hens, he had no mark on him and there was no blood. I'm going to miss him, but I'm not absolutely devastated for breeding. I've sort of fallen 'out of love' with him over the past few weeks. I've started to like my other roo more. He has a better crest, beard, comb, and much better foot feathering. He also is much more successful mating with the hens and I believe the chicks I have are all his based on their crests. Don't get me wrong, I'm going to miss my proud, chesty, 'heart boy' a lot. I'll miss his hen-chasing antics and tinny, squeaky crow. I'll miss the way he would suddenly freeze and strike a pose with his chest puffed out as much as possible. I buried him beneath our old mulberry bush (that is large enough to be a tree) and it was very sad having to bury all that beautiful fluff go beneath the soil. Here's to quite possibly the proudest silkie on earth. Bye my big sweet boy

This is a beautiful tribute. We will all remember him well. I love the last photo where he is flying up to heaven.

Like someone else said, most of the work is done waaay before the actual show!lol. The day before you will want to give them a bath and try to keep their feet clean.... The actual day of the show you will simply do some last minute grooming, then place them in the cage with your show number

then you simply hang out with friends, look at the birds for sale, look at the other show birds etc. and of course watch nervously as the judges judge your birds! Haha.
X2

so sorry for your loss.
Too cute!!!

 

[countrygirl74]

Well, I have a death to report.

Of course, it's the one named silkie I have. My famed Macho. He cheated death once but not twice. I think it was another head injury from chasing hens, he had no mark on him and there was no blood. I'm going to miss him, but I'm not absolutely devastated for breeding. I've sort of fallen 'out of love' with him over the past few weeks. I've started to like my other roo more. He has a better crest, beard, comb, and much better foot feathering. He also is much more successful mating with the hens and I believe the chicks I have are all his based on their crests. Don't get me wrong, I'm going to miss my proud, chesty, 'heart boy' a lot. I'll miss his hen-chasing antics and tinny, squeaky crow. I'll miss the way he would suddenly freeze and strike a pose with his chest puffed out as much as possible. I buried him beneath our old mulberry bush (that is large enough to be a tree) and it was very sad having to bury all that beautiful fluff go beneath the soil. Here's to quite possibly the proudest silkie on earth. Bye my big sweet boy

So sorry! I love those beautiful pics of him!!

 

[fluffyfeathers]

Maybe he is a golden grey. One silver gene and one gold gene. Makes a creamy yellow color where silver should be.

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

 

[Polla Chickie]

Does anyone know what kind of shampoo silkies can use?

 

[Polla Chickie]

So sorry! I love those beautiful pics of him!!

I'm so sorry about ur loss he was beautiful!