All birds of prey are protected and the fine for shooting them would make your toes curl. I saw a post on here where someone pounded rebar posts into their run they looked to be about 6' and had shiny streamers at the top. I can't remember the distance apart but they weren't real close. Type in Hawk in the search area and see what posts come up for more ideas, that is what I do.
We also have a abundance of hawks living on a river bluff and surrounded by a woods. No netting on the run because is is so big. Once our birds get to a certain size the hawks leave them alone. For a smaller bird like a silkie you may not get to that point and then it would just be survival of the smartest I am afraid. Do silkies have feathers that limit their vision like polish? I so maybe a little trim to help them see the incoming hawk would help. My hens 24 (6 bantams) scatter into the bushes and I haven't lost another bird since July. I have kept the younger hens penned up until they get to a size I deem the hawks can't carry away. They seem less likely to attack a bird they can't fly off with but this by no means a a 100% guarantee just my experience over the past 4 years. Good Luck. I will look for that post link and if I find it I will send you the link.
We also have a abundance of hawks living on a river bluff and surrounded by a woods. No netting on the run because is is so big. Once our birds get to a certain size the hawks leave them alone. For a smaller bird like a silkie you may not get to that point and then it would just be survival of the smartest I am afraid. Do silkies have feathers that limit their vision like polish? I so maybe a little trim to help them see the incoming hawk would help. My hens 24 (6 bantams) scatter into the bushes and I haven't lost another bird since July. I have kept the younger hens penned up until they get to a size I deem the hawks can't carry away. They seem less likely to attack a bird they can't fly off with but this by no means a a 100% guarantee just my experience over the past 4 years. Good Luck. I will look for that post link and if I find it I will send you the link.
