Would appreciate critiques of our silkies **PICS**

[Sonoran Silkies]

If they are crowing, they're pretty close--if not already there and hiding it. If the boys are together they may start sparring more.

Just like with people, some birds mature more rapidly, others more slowly.

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

Thank everyone so much! I have learned a lot and will be working to bring in some better stock over the next year. Always looking to improve...

 

[1Chick Magnet]

Quote:
I always thought that coloring was splash but some silkie experts
told me it's actually gray. I assumed the different shades made them
a splash.

It's now my understanding that a splash is more solid in coloring.

We need a silkie expert here cause I ain't it.

Gray and splash are entirely different; both from a genetics standpoint and from appearance. Splash is a genetic variation of the blue gene: two copies of the blue allele. Also, splash is irregular, random colouring--no two look alike. Splash may have Pg & Ml. The base would usually be e^b, but could be built on just about any base except E^Wh.

Grey has (or should have) two copies ot the not-blue allele. It is a very regular concentric penciling (also referred to from a genetics standpoint as multiple lacing) pattern caused by Pg ml on an e^b base. It cannot carry Ml (that would create a single or double laced bird, not a multiple laced/penciled one). A different E-allele,, with the exception of e+, would significantly alter the pattern; no penciling would be present in the bird.

do you have a photo of a grey?

 

[Windchyme]

Quote:
You need to check their extra toe for seperation from the regular toes..in the best specimens they aren't fused at all. Then pull out the wings and check the wings for a break in the feathering right at the joint where the wing bends...this is split wing and is a defect. We can't tell these things from the pictures.

Now- I LOVE your splash cockerel. He is NICE.
The white Roo I don't like the comb on...I select for black combs on mine and his seems a little red to be mulberry and he is long backed and I don't like his legs all that much. The white hen looks really nice to me but also long backed. I agree that the splashes might be the better ones but they all look to be fairly good quality with their own little issues and breedable if one is willing to work with their issues.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

My grey hen:

 

[1Chick Magnet]

Quote:
thankyou so much for the photo. how do they differ from blue? is it a matter of genetics? do not want to hijack this thread. should we start a new one or can you pm me?

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Blue and grey are different both in appearance and genetically. Post #17 on page two lists the genotype of splash and grey. Blue is identical to splash except that it carries one copy of blue and one of not-blue (Bl/bl).

In appearance blues have darker head and hackles. Males also have dark saddles. All feathers are laced, although this isn't really noticeable on a silkie.