To get 'big silkies'...

[robinast]

My goal weight is 15lbs, goal height is 3ft for my Giant Silkies. So, I'm using both Brahmas, & Malays. Malays are getting crossed into the bloodline next spring.

So, you want 12 - 13lbs?

Hmm... I have not come to the exact number for weight yet, to be honest - just thinking that the bigger the better. Let's say at now that less than 10 pounds is not good enough for me

 

[robinast]

My goal weight is 15lbs, goal height is 3ft for my Giant Silkies. So, I'm using both Brahmas, & Malays. Malays are getting crossed into the bloodline next spring.

So, you want 12 - 13lbs?

Malays seem not to be readily available here - but, well, I have not looked for them too intensely either so far.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Malays seem not to be readily available here - but, well, I have not looked for them too intensely either so far.

I got mine as hatching eggs, & a local breeder.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Hmm... I have not come to the exact number for weight yet, to be honest - just thinking that the bigger the better. Let's say at now that less than 10 pounds is not good enough for me

So far my biggest rooster is alittle over 5lbs, & still growing. The Hens are same size as Game hens.

10lbs is a pretty good start actually.

 

[robinast]

I daydreamed a bit after the work at school today - and vividly imagined a giant black Showgirl of about 1 m high... Now, when fully awake, I can not even imagine what would I do if I met it Run away screaming on top of my lungs? Froze in place with awe and astonishment? Say to myself "Well, this not happening!" and walk away just shrugging my shoulders?

 

[MysteryChicken]

I daydreamed a bit after the work at school today - and vividly imagined a giant black Showgirl of about 1 m high... Now, when fully awake, I can not even imagine what would I do if I met it Run away screaming on top of my lungs? Froze in place with awe and astonishment? Say to myself "Well, this not happening!" and walk away just shrugging my shoulders?

That's kinda funny. But are you wanting Giant Naked Neck Silkies/Show Girls?, or just Giant Black Silkies?

 

[robinast]

That's kinda funny. But are you wanting Giant Naked Neck Silkies/Show Girls?, or just Giant Black Silkies?

To be honest, I strongly dislike Naked Necks.... In case of Silkies, the naked neck is somehow tolerable as the skin is black. Yet any breed with a red naked neck - not for me for sure, sorry!
Thus, it is just Giant Silkies. Preferably - but not necessarily! - black, yes.

 

[MysteryChicken]

To be honest, I strongly dislike Naked Necks.... In case of Silkies, the naked neck is somehow tolerable as the skin is black. Yet any breed with a red naked neck - not for me for sure, sorry!
Thus, it is just Giant Silkies. Preferably - but not necessarily! - black, yes.

I don't like the Naked Necks on Silkies, but I do like the regular naked neck breed.

Okay, sounds good. One recommendation I have, is avoid bantam Silkies in your project. You don't want the Recessive Bantam Dwarfism gene in the line.

 

[robinast]

I don't like the Naked Necks on Silkies, but I do like the regular naked neck breed.

Okay, sounds good. One recommendation I have, is avoid bantam Silkies in your project. You don't want the Recessive Bantam Dwarfism gene in the line.

Yes-yes, no bantams in breeding lines if the goal is a giant chicken
As I wrote initially, I have been thinking of crossing black Silkies with Ayam Cemani initially and bring in Brahma after that. It's to get Silkies a bit bigger before starting crosses with Brahmas. Does this make any sense - or is it not necessary at all and I could start with SilkiexBrahma crosses from the very beginning?
Also, someone (sorry, I do not remember right now who exactly!) suggested to cross black Silkies with Black Cochins as the first step. What do you think?

 

[MysteryChicken]

Yes-yes, no bantams in breeding lines if the goal is a giant chicken
As I wrote initially, I have been thinking of crossing black Silkies with Ayam Cemani initially and bring in Brahma after that. It's to get Silkies a bit bigger before starting crosses with Brahmas. Does this make any sense - or is it not necessary at all and I could start with SilkiexBrahma crosses from the very beginning?
Also, someone (sorry, I do not remember right now who exactly!) suggested to cross black Silkies with Black Cochins as the first step. What do you think?

Honestly, I'd just go with Brahma X Silkie. Brahmas already have genetics from both Malays, & Giant Cochins. That's what I did, & the result in size was evident from hatch.