Silkies the good and the bad?

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amymboxer

amymboxer

Chirping
Mar 19, 2016
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Doing a little online research about silkies. I have heard mixes reviewed. The two people I know that have been around them have said they are loud and sometimea pick on others? But here the review says they are very docile and sweet and quiet. Besides the unusual looks what is good and bad about them?
 
Well, they don't fly. Makes it easy to fence them in, but vulnerable to predators (plus they either need low roosts they can jump on or a ramp).

The head poof, while adorable, does obscure vision somewhat...again making them more vulnerable to predators.

They tend to be good little mommy hens, which is great for raising chicks, but not so great for getting eggs.
 
The good. Great for pets, especially for kids. Females are very docile. Willing to brood whatever you want to give them. The ones I have had are quiet.

The bad. Not so great at egg production. Can only brood small quantities of eggs or chicks.. Bad at avoiding predators. Hatchery birds can be quite skittish.
 
Thanks. I waw concern3s when someone told me they were noisy. We have neighbors so noisy hens could be an issue.
 
Ok so another question. Should I keep silkies in their own pen? My mixed chicks and pullets are red and black sex linked, barred mixes, and easter egger mix flock. Silkies are smaller and I hear they get picked on by others.
 
amymboxer said:
Ok so another question. Should I keep silkies in their own pen? My mixed chicks and pullets are red and black sex linked, barred mixes, and easter egger mix flock. Silkies are smaller and I hear they get picked on by others.
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That was what I was planning on doing. Actually, am grouping them together with all the weird feather chickens--Polish, Cochin, d'Uccle--since they can be targeted too.
 
Thankyou. I know they are more of an ornamental bird and we have someone selling show quality chicks around here and was seriously considering getting some. Want to make sure I plan accordingly.
 
400
Mine are very calm and like mothering.
 
Last edited:
The good, very sweet, friendly, lovable, loyal,beautiful and small. Brooding and great moms. Smart and quick learners

the bad, susceptible to wry neck and not very hardy. Can't get wet because their feathers are more like fur and water soaks them to the bone. Mine have been very loud. Very vounarble to preditors, must clip their crests or they can not see, must clip their bottoms to keep poop from matting in feathers. Have a tendency to need supplements or can develop defences easily. Can't fly and sleep on ground level. Can't climb or jump very well. More tender than standard breeds.

Hope this helps.
 
Silkies do tend to stick together in mixed flocks. They are great little incubators and mine lay all through winter. If handled as chicks they are great with kids and make lovely lawn ornaments. They also do much less damage in the garden and are easier to contain in small spaces. :)
 

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