Ivy’s Hilltop Silkies

08/22/2025

Anyone else cut off your incubator …?? 🐔🐥and then collect eggs and warm it back up ?🤪oh it’s just me …

08/21/2025

I’m asked a lot how do you decide who to keep ?

This question is a little more complicated because it all depends on what you want in your program. Are you a breeder of a certain variety are you breeding for fun or to show…?

In chicks honestly I keep more than I should because in silkies growing them out a little tells the story . A lot of people can pick up on faults at a very early age but some things can change a little the more they grow out. My concentration for this past year has been white and paint.

One thing I can suggest is having a decent grow out pen just for them . You can see so much around 3-5 months of age. Just my opinion but most likely you should have a good idea of what you’re producing and can make decisions by that point.

Reading the standard of perfection and reading the silkie showing books have really helped me tremendously in my program .

Also going to a show and seeing what places and what doesn’t not just at one show but several shows because different judges look for different things in silkies.

So my answer to this would be give them some time make some room to be able to watch them grow and see what you are producing . Mentor breeders hatch tons of eggs and birds because you only get a select few that are show quality or breeder quality yes everyone hatches faults sometimes ….I am a small farm so my room is limited but I’ve found concentrating on one maybe two colors of hatching a year has helped me narrow down and get my birds to a certain level that I want to maintain. Of course I have pets I have birds I would never sell just because they have a name and will never leave here because we just love them faults and all. But as a breeder who wants to show you have to learn what is accepted in the show room and what is not and truly teach yourself to let them go. It was hard for me at first but as you progress in your program and the attributes you want to hold in your barn become more significant you see the success you have in your lines it makes all the hard work a little easier to understand .

Would love comments or
Feedback 😉

Happy almost
Friday !!☺️

08/20/2025

When bathing silkies :

Always be sure to keep their heads held above the water .
They get super relaxed during bathing and will dunk their heads !! Too much water is dangerous so be aware and having a helper insures they are safe during bath time .

08/20/2025

🤍🤍🤍 NFS

08/18/2025

Cookies another Paint girl !!

Bc Box's Bantams
NFS

08/18/2025

Bathing outside can be so much fun but listen in the distance for the predator of all in the neighbors yard… 😣

We use Orvus to bathe in and let them soak in towels and rinse dry . A very little amount will go a long way .
We did blow dry because we did see the hawk and we ran for cover in the garage …

Always be aware of your surroundings!!!

(Mark heard it 3 states away )

08/16/2025

Hey girl !!! Just as sassy as can be 🤍🤍🤍🤍

08/16/2025

Love 💕 thanks Oreo 🤍🖤

08/15/2025

Lots of rain !! Tabletop mushroom !!

08/14/2025