Are my Silkies being manipulative, or just being Silkies?

[Clucking_Crazy]

I can't tell if my Silkies actually need different accommodations, or if they are just liking the special treatment.

I have a mixed flock all approximately 8.5-10.5 weeks of age. This includes two 10.5 week old Silkies. The flock was moved to their newly completed coop on Mother's Day, so just over two weeks ago. They spent a few days in the coop to 'home' them, and then were given access to the run during the day. Naturally first few days I had to coax a few chickens out, some came on their own, and a few refused to leave. By day 3 or 4 all chickens were now leaving the coop on their own. So no issues there.

First night of them in the run I did have to put almost all of them away by hand. A few took the hint that first night. Second night I had to put 2 or 3 away - BUT the Silkies had put themselves away that night. I remember specifically which ones I had to chase around that night.

Third night on (now almost a week of this) all birds put themselves to bed EXCEPT for the two Silkies. They come to the corner of the run closest to the house and whistle and chirp and try to get our attention so I will go in there and pick them up and put them to bed. They will stay out past dark if I don't put them to bed. (We've tried waiting them out.) Other pullets come down the ramp and go right back in, like trying to show them how easy it is. My husband is convinced they are doing it on purpose because they made it in there once on their own.

At any rate I am going to modify the ramp by either decreasing the angle or adding some steps alongside the ramp. But does anyone else have issues with Silkies being "unable" to use ramps that all the other breeds have no issues with? And if so, what have you done to accomodate them?

 

[chickengirl778]

That's so funny!! I've never heard of Silkies being that way, but I've never had them myself.

 

[Ohmyheart]

My silkies didn't like the steeper ramp. I raised it about two feet then added another that turned to reduce the angle. They liked that much better. Could be because they are pretty much flightless.

 

[NNYchick]

My silkies would not but themselves to bed either. 3 months in the temporary coop that had a ramp and they would play on the ramp all day long, mainly using it to jump on unsuspecting chicks passing under. But then evening came they all pile in a corner of the run, so I would have to go out there and one by one put them in the coop. FYI I learned you wont have to chase them as much if you wait till dusk.

 

[Clucking_Crazy]

Yeah they run right to me when I go in the run at bedtime (not any other time unless they think I have a snack for them). It's pretty pathetic, but absolutely adorable too.

Here's a picture of them whistling and churling at me at bedtime to come put them up.

 

[Seaecho]

That ramp is very long and has a steep angle. They may have gone in once on their own, but with Silkies especially I would change the angle of the ramp, as someone suggested. Silkies can't see really well because of their crests, plus not being able to fly must be pretty scary to go up that ramp. Place a few concrete blocks under the ramp to lift it. Stagger the blocks so they can step up on one block, then the other, and then onto the ramp. I think they are just afraid.

 

[featherhead007]

Looking at that ramp, makes me afraid!

 

[Clucking_Crazy]

That ramp is very long and has a steep angle. They may have gone in once on their own, but with Silkies especially I would change the angle of the ramp, as someone suggested. Silkies can't see really well because of their crests, plus not being able to fly must be pretty scary to go up that ramp. Place a few concrete blocks under the ramp to lift it. Stagger the blocks so they can step up on one block, then the other, and then onto the ramp. I think they are just afraid.

That's precisely what I planned to do with the blocks. One standing on end to lift it, and at least one on it's side as a step.