Silkie thread!

[Debbi]

Thanks ladies!

kfchickenlady ~ Hatch buddies it is! Best of luck with your hatch! Do you realize what the first 3 letters of your name imply? KFC?

 

[kfchickenlady]

Quote:
omg, you wouldnt believe how many ppl point that out to me,

Ive even been called KFC lady...geeez.

I figured my hatch date to be July 1. Ill be away from home July 2, so hope they hatch on time!

 

[Debbi]

I knew someone else had to have caught that...couldn't resist!

Mine are due on July 2. Do Silkies usually hatch on time and all at once? I ask this because the only hatches I have ever done have been with Marans, and those chicks can take their sweet time coming into the world! It's so aggrevating because they hatch one or two at a time, and it can be days until the next one comes along. I've had them hatch on day 20-day 25! I sure hope these hatch like popcorn!

 

[kfchickenlady]

Quote:
Ive done it 5 or 6 times and never had them pop like popcorn...but Im not exactly a pro either! compared to LF birds, they seem more fragile and have a harder time hatching to me.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
It supplies preen oil, which the bird then grooms its feathers with, sort of a cross between a sponge bath and appling lotion, lol.

I see...

Is it possible in any way that my hen may not be using this gland to keep her feathers healthy and conditioned? I just don't know how they get so dry and weak...

You might try adding some oils to her diet--black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds or oil, olive oil, flax seed or oil, cod liver oil. Just don't go overboard. Also, older feathers do tend to be weaker and less likely to appear conditioned or healthy.

 

[Debbi]

Quote:
Ive done it 5 or 6 times and never had them pop like popcorn...but Im not exactly a pro either! compared to LF birds, they seem more fragile and have a harder time hatching to me.

Well nuts! I can imagine how small and fragile they must be at hatch. I was just checking the bator, and have to smile when I see how small the eggs are. The Marans chicks have a hard time due to the really thick shells of their eggs. I can only imagine how small these little ones will be; like a day old Marans will probably be the same size as a 2 week old Silkie?

 

[pbirdhaven]

I saw a reference a few posts back to blue partridge. Is this an accepted color? I bought a couple because I liked them but was told by one person that it's not a recognized color. Any info appreciated!

 

[HatchingFever]

I dont bealeive they are reconized

 

[Debbi]

Ok, just for kicks and giggles, what is everyone's favorite color?

For me, it looks like Splash and Buff...so far

 

[Teresaann24]

My fav colors are Lavender & Cuckoo