Are silkies more susceptible to cold?

[joebryant]

Are silkies more susceptible to cold than chickens with regular feathers? If they are, what should be done to protect them on very cold nights?

 

[meriruka]

I don't think there is much difference.........mine sleep in a pile on the floor together & keep warm. Of course, the more you have, the warmer they stay. Not sure how cold it gets in Indiana, but below freezing is cold for any chicken. Hopefully sombody can tell you the temperature threshold. I'm one of those crazy people who turns on the space heater for them if it goes below 40. I put a wire cage around the heater so they can't knock it over, and slant the top of the cage so they don't roost/poop on it.

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

No! This has become a weekly discussion.

Silkies are not any more susceptible to cold, nor are they any more cold tolerant. They dont not have extra feathers, they do not have extra insulation. They are the same as any other bird, only their feathers are structured differently.

 

[joebryant]

Thanks, PouletsDeCajun and meriruka, that's a relief to know.

 

[spatcher]

According to Henderson's Chart they are hardy in heat and cold because of their feathers! However it does state they are not suited for "foul weather".