The silkie I started off with was a present, I think my friend was thinking more about the aesthetics than their general demeanor when she got her though, the second was again gifted to me as they both seemed lonely and it seemed a good idea but I find them to be almost like cats in a weird way you know? They are very cute, but they're also (so far from what I can tell) pretty fussy and skittish. Now, I'm a dog man, through and through, I never been overly fussed by cats (even though I share a house with two of them) as I like an animal who seem to enjoy your company for more than being a food bringer, who keep themselves entertained and who seem happy to see you. My three ladies were all like that, I could just sit in the garden on my laptop and they'd be at ease with my presence, taking food from my hands and nestling in my lap but they'd also get up to all kinds of shenanigans, whereas the silkies cower away from me if I so much as cough loudly, they seem to hate their food and are just, well, uninteresting. I am definitely a fan of the larger breeds of chicken, they just seem braver, a lot less clumsy and a little more switched on.
I know this will slowly change but a part of me is tempted to give them both back to the friend who gave me the second silkie and to just call it all a day.
I honestly feel you a few years back I would have laughed if you told me I'd consider a chicken my child but it just kind of happens they grow on you and honestly they are amazing companions even if its not well known. I've bawled my eyes out so many times over tragedies like this but I have found ways to protect my babies. Silkies are indeed different but I firmly believe the upbringing is 100% what forms a chicken. I've had silkies that started out like yours but when introduced to the proper flock they can be wonderful as well. My salmon favorelles is super human friendly, she even greets people at the door, she eventually got our silkies to gain trust in us through showing them how trusting she was. I know you don't want to get your hopes up but sometimes the birds do come back, I've actually had one black Sumatra go missing for literally a month then suddenly show up at my doorstep with only a bite to her side. The other two likely went into hiding, try not to give up all hope. For now I'd suggest rather finding the silkies a new home or increasing your flock size as chickens aren't happy unless in a flock they become lonely easily. The other three will certaintly always be in your heart though, it may sound silly but I actually made a little memorial for one of my precious hens I lost. It's a thought. For now though I truly wish you the best I hope things get better.
