Appenzellers and Silkies

[ReedsBirdsandBees]

Was wondering about appenzellers and silkies, pros and cons, special needs, etc?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Appenzeller are good foragers, slightly flighty, and average layers. They do well in a mixed flock.

Silkies are poor foragers, great broodies and moms, and are average layers. There are all shapes, colors and sizes of silkies depending on breeding and sources. Silkies should be kept with silkies or other gentle bantams to avoid problems.

 

[ReedsBirdsandBees]

Appenzeller are good foragers, slightly flighty, and average layers. They do well in a mixed flock.

Silkies are poor foragers, great broodies and moms, and are average layers. There are all shapes, colors and sizes of silkies depending on breeding and sources. Silkies should be kept with silkies or other gentle bantams to avoid problems.

Thanks I was thinking of keeping them together but maybe not now I will probably add the appenzellers to my existing flock and make a new coop for the silkies.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That's a better idea. Silkies can act goofy and attract pecking and bullying. They can be sweet little birds, or nutty, and some have domed skulls which can cause brain damage if they get pecked on it.

 

[ReedsBirdsandBees]

That's a better idea. Silkies can act goofy and attract pecking and bullying. They can be sweet little birds, or nutty, and some have domed skulls which can cause brain damage if they get pecked on it.

Could I house the silkies with my quail because they are smaller and docile?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That I don't know as I have never had quail, maybe ask in the quail forum.

Welcome to BYC by the way.

 

[ReedsBirdsandBees]

That I don't know as I have never had quail, maybe ask in the quail forum.

Welcome to BYC by the way.

Thank you very much for the welcome and advise.

 

[Leegardens]

I’ve kept chickens for almost six years. I am starting a new flock and want to keep Silkies. I would like to add a couple of other chicks with them. Do y’all think that bantam Mille Fleur d’Uccles would work with Silkies? Any suggestions for other bantams?
If that won’t work then I’ll just have the Silkies. I’m planning on around 10-12 birds. Thanks for the advice.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I have kept silkies with d'uccle and bantam cochins without problems.