Why do silkie cockerels crests shrink as they age while pullets crests grow?

[Cloverr39]

(Probably not the right topic for this, sorry.)

This is kind of just a random question that popped into my head. My silkie rooster Cloud used to have such a big, poofy, beautiful crest and it just got smaller as he aged. On the other hand one of my pullet's crests seems to only get bigger with time. Does it have to do with cockerels getting bigger combs and streamers?

Cloud at 10 weeks

Cloud now

It looks more pushed back and flat now.

That leads me to another question about the genetics behind this.
When I breed him would the crest genetics he passes on look more like him at 10 weeks or now at 7 (almost 8) months? Assuming the hens I breed him to have the same size crest and some with slightly smaller ones.

And now here's my pullet for reference.

Smoky at 6 weeks (I think)

Smoky at 13 (almost 14) weeks

Currently at 29 weeks

I swear it still feels like her crest is getting bigger and I think she might already be laying or is about to start.

 

[MysteryChicken]

(Probably not the right topic for this, sorry.)

This is kind of just a random question that popped into my head. My silkie rooster Cloud used to have such a big, poofy, beautiful crest and it just got smaller as he aged. On the other hand one of my pullet's crests seems to only get bigger with time. Does it have to do with cockerels getting bigger combs and streamers?

Cloud at 10 weeks
View attachment 3355193View attachment 3355194

Cloud now
View attachment 3355196View attachment 3355199

It looks more pushed back and flat now.

That leads me to another question about the genetics behind this.
When I breed him would the crest genetics he passes on look more like him at 10 weeks or now at 7 (almost 8) months? Assuming the hens I breed him to have the same size crest and some with slightly smaller ones.

And now here's my pullet for reference.

Smoky at 6 weeks (I think)
View attachment 3355201

Smoky at 13 (almost 14) weeks
View attachment 3355202

Currently at 29 weeks
View attachment 3355209

I swear it still feels like her crest is getting bigger and I think she might already be laying or is about to start.

Weird, I've actually never experienced this with pure silkies, except for when my Silkie/Brahma cross Rooster's comb got larger. He had a mixed comb.

These boys have always had a decent crest. Not all are flamboyant though.
The black one I culled this year.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I think they might be a bit longer, so a bit heavier compared to pullets? Plus the comb growing larger might have a domino effect on the layers being bent back. My boy, David, has an Itty bitty crest now, even if it wasn't too bad as a chick