are silkies delicate?

[ultasol]

I agree Sonoran. In the rainy weather of western, WA they might go out in the rain and hence get chilled, but a nice dry coop with clean dry shavings should be sufficient. I don't care what breed, there are times when a chicken will just die for no apparent reason. It happens. There are challenges in every breed, so get to know your breed.

 

[MomMommyMamma]

Thank you all for your input! I've certainly learned a lot!

 

[muddyhorse]

I forgot to add I once had a silkie roo stolen by the neighbors lab. he carried it home 1/2 mile. where the bird escaped I found him on the drive way walking back soggy but unharmed. he also survived a coon attack and two boughts of falling in a bucket full of water.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Quote:
Lol - now I'm nervous. Would not have bought the eggs had I known these things.

Now I'm wondering if there are other breeds that are also delicate or is it primarily silkies? I have children. If they can die from stress then we're really in trouble. Not that my kids harm our birds at all - they don't. But it can get loud here and of course the kids and the chickens share the property so they will be in contact with each other. I'm a little frustrated that the breed charts don't mention this. I have only read these things about meat birds (can die if stressed, etc).

I have two kids and silkies. They are supposed to be one of the very best breeds to have with kids because they are gentle.

My silkies are out in the rain RIGHT THIS MINUTE. Sopping wet if they choose. But they are sitting under the coops. Also I have leaned a couple of pallets up against a fence with tarps wrapped around them, so they have lean-to shelters to get out of the wind.

They go to bed every night slightly damp and huddle together on the shavings- all eleven of them.

I WILL give them a light bulb in the coop when it gets around 30 degrees, because of the rabbit hutch they live in. It isn't an insulated structure. But it does have solid walls on three sides, plexiglass on the fourth, and good ventilation near the top.

If I lived in a colder climate (we only get down to the 20's for a couple of weeks each year), I would definitely want an insulated coop for them. And a covered run.

Here is a nice thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=92702

Silkies are very sweet and really different from all my other chickens. It is really like having a dog or cat.

 

[JenEric Farms]

Why are silkies more prone to mites?

 

[iluvmychicks]

Now, of course, I don't show, but in MY mind, if some "better (show) quality" silkies are THAT delicate, it sounds like nature's way of eliminating weakness to me. I personally wouldn't breed birds that were THAT susceptible to stress and such, because I wouldn't want those traits passed down to their offspring. But thats JMHO.

I totally agree with this!

Today 6:41 pmWhy are silkies more prone to mites?

From my experience silkies are not "prone" to mites. They are no different then any other breed......birds get mites they don't pick on silkies. If you keep a good eye on your flock you can keep mites under control. If silkies get mites they usually attack the vent and crest. I handle my birds often if I see any mites I treat the bird then check the entire flock.

Shari​

 

[TiaView]

My Silkies are pretty tough. I used to baby them, but soon realized that they do just fine with the rest of the flock (and they ARE from a show breeder) and in general. They have been out in the rain-they dry. They have forraged along with the other chickens-they come back. And they have even outlived one of the Wynadottes by avoiding the turkeys. So, I'd say they're OK.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Oh I just wanted to add that you should never let anyone bully your silkies because they have a soft spot like a baby in their heads:

They apparently can die or be brain-damaged with a peck to the head- this link has GRAPHIC pics:

http://www.browneggblueegg.com/Article/HoleInHead.html

 

[chicknfishn]

Turtlefeathers

I've heard of using frontline on silkies before. What type of frontline spray do you use on them?

Do you have to get it from a vet or can you buy it at the store?

Thanks

 

[MomMommyMamma]

Quote:
Now that is interesting.