Silkie thread!

[GoldBarRanch]

Here is one of my young boys. I am just starting to see some streamers starting.

super cute boy ,

 

[mama2my4]

Try using mulch (not the dyed red or black stuff though) or fresh woodchips from a tree service or something for run floors. Coops/houses I use a tad of sand to deter mites and then shavings and pine needles for the bedding.

Thanks Jessy!!

 

[skyl3r]

I just love the pics of your sillies and polish! My daughter and I really enjoy all the photos on these pages that folks are willing to share. Your frizzle is very cute.

Thank you, we're having a blast with them. The whole family. They are all so sweet to my 2 year old daughter too!

 

[mama2my4]

ok y'all convinced me!!! I have a dozen blue/splash Catdance eggs on the way for my first hatch!! I am excited and nervous at the same time. My luck, I will fry them! And next week I have 6 paint eggs coming, too. Plus I am collecting from my one girl who is in with my favorite boy. Of course, she isn't laying at the moment.....

 

[skyl3r]

Ok, I know saw something about trimming around the eyes & head, but it may have been in the polish thread. MIT seems like Einstein is a little more reserved this week, and last night I was having to wave the treat in front of her head to get her attention. So I kinda parted her hair and moved those cheek ?? Feathers down some. After that she stood taller and seemed more confident. Do you ever trim around their eyes? Or those cheek?? Areas? I don't want her personality to change because she can't see at all. Her feathers completely cover both eyes. Or Is this all in my head?

 

[ThaiChick]

I just got my babies home. Out of 10 that went into lockdown only 4 hatched. one blue one pipped then quit. I guess that happens. Disappointing but I am ready to hatch more!
I have already got more eggs coming!

The babies are soo cute! Pictures coming soon!

So I have shown them the water, and the first hatched seems to have gotten it. The others born yesterday and today are still trying get their legs under them. 
I think they will get it with the other one doing it. But what about food? 
I tapped in it with my finger and as of yet they are not interested. When should I worry? And what should I do?
Any ideas to get them eating in the near future?

Thanks!
Kim

I think they aren't really interested in food for the first 72 hours. They are working off the nourishment from the yolk. (Via FFA Raising chickens book)

 

[ScaredOfShadows]

Ok, I know saw something about trimming around the eyes & head, but it may have been in the polish thread. MIT seems like Einstein is a little more reserved this week, and last night I was having to wave the treat in front of her head to get her attention. So I kinda parted her hair and moved those cheek ?? Feathers down some. After that she stood taller and seemed more confident. Do you ever trim around their eyes? Or those cheek?? Areas? I don't want her personality to change because she can't see at all. Her feathers completely cover both eyes. Or Is this all in my head?

yes some people trim, those who show will tape the crests or use gelatin to gel the fluff out of the way, or even pluck some around the eyes...

I say go ahead and trim around there, its usually more the beard thats a big problem than the crest in my opinion, but trim the beard/cheek area under the eye and the crest that falls right above/front of the eye, just enough that if you hold her to eye level you can see her eyes.

 

[chisNchickens]

Jessy do show folks trim minimally or not at all? Do they keep their birds up and out of pens prior to showing? If so for how long and where/how are they kept?
Thanks!

yes some people trim, those who show will tape the crests or use gelatin to gel the fluff out of the way, or even pluck some around the eyes...

I say go ahead and trim around there, its usually more the beard thats a big problem than the crest in my opinion, but trim the beard/cheek area under the eye and the crest that falls right above/front of the eye, just enough that if you hold her to eye level you can see her eyes.

 

[chisNchickens]

Had to post this too-cute pic of my little partridge cockerel. Poor little fella has a crooked beak so I named him Owen (Owen Wilson lol). Does he look like an Owen or what!?


His sisters are looking good though...very dark!

 

[ScaredOfShadows]

Jessy do show folks trim minimally or not at all? Do they keep their birds up and out of pens prior to showing? If so for how long and where/how are they kept?
Thanks!

most pluck or will trim very lightly - some judges are really cracking down on birds with big crests and say the birds absolutely should be able to see forward, and will dock points if they feel the birds' vision is too obstructed by lack of grooming.

Many from my understanding put their birds in show cages about 6-8 weeks before show season and pluck out damaged feathers to get them to grow back (feet, wings) some folks even try to force a molt way ahead of show season, but I don't know of any silkie people who do that though.

for more indepth info on show conditioning you'll have to ask someone with actual experience in the showing department.