YELLOW SILKIES

[Mad Maggie]

Hi

can anyone tell me why my silkies who were born this year are yellow as opposed to white? The lady I bought them off says they were off pure white parents and she cannot understand why they are yellow. Also there top knot feathers are sort of spikey although some of them have little feathers sprouting on them - will they eventually turn into feathers? You can see the blue skin underneath - silly me thought they had been bleeding but on examination they haven't it is just where the feathers part. I will try and get a picture and post it.

Thanks

 

[Chuck]

Feedstuffs can affect the colour of white birds in particular as can sunlight. Maize is one feed that can bring on yellowing.

Sounds like the feather issue is a final moult into adult plumage.

 

[Mad Maggie]

Hi Chuck

I feed them corn in the afternoon but only a handful each. Where they are is completely out of the light which is why I asked the question as I was a bit concerned that I might be making them deficient in something. They all seem healthy enough just this sort of yellow colour. I have been in touch with the lady I bought them off and she is mystified too. I think maybe like you, the feather issue is them getting their full plummage and I hope getting round to laying an egg or two !!