Orpingtons are about the last breed I would cross to get a color into silkies. There are already silkie breeders with lavender birds. If you must make your own, use lavender cochin bantams. At least they're the right size and have feathered legs already.
The reason I was considering the Orpingtons is bc they’re much more readily available in the lavender color. Whereas if I were to use Cochins, I’d have to order hatching eggs that would cost me an arm and a leg and then they might not even hatch. I do agree that bantam Cochins are probably the better way to go for crosses, but I simply do not have access to them.
Where are you located?
Pacific Northwest, the closest large city to me is Eugene, OR
Thank you, they have them listed for $5 a piece for live chicks. Extremely reasonable honestly. I’ve never ordered live chicks before, should I wait until spring when the weather is better?
I would
Wow I’ve never heard of ideal hatchery before. They had a few other breeds I’ve been on the hunt for and their shipping isn’t ridiculously expensive. Thank you for the recommendation! Will be ordering in a month or so
