another silkie question :)

[ercky&perky]

I was wondering if silkies make good free rangers in the summer???and if they do well with temperature changes?? hot days cool nights?

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

NOOO!

Because of their inability to fly, and hard time seeing, when free franging Silkies are at the mercy of hawks and other birds of prey.

 

[1Speckled Hen w/Chicks]

I do not know about the temp part-as it is my first year with Silkies....and I will be interested to know how they will fair with our mild winters here in NC--but, I do know that Silkies are not the best bird to free range from what I have seen-and heard.

Due to their feathered heads/ limited vision they cannot see as well as others and become easy victims for predators.

Enjoy your silkies!

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

Quote:
They handle cold better than they handle heat. I have to take extra measures (misters etc...) to keep them cool in the Summer.

 

[ercky&perky]

I read that silkies should be given chick starter till they are 6 months old is this true

the person I got my chicks from has them on pullet grower and they are around a month old