Are Silkies more work?

[ukchickengirl]

Subject says it all really! Are silkies more work? fancy a couple of black silkies as they are sooooo cute and look like velvet but the guy i get my coops/chickens etc from says that they are more "pets" rather than just egg layers that can be left to their own devices (not that i do cos i'm soft with my girls!!!

)

H x

 

[peeps7]

No I don't think silkie's cost more work. I have a silkie and she doesn't cost anymore work than my other chickens.

 

[lurky]

I did not get silkies with my first order because i was told the same thing.....but i since have seen them to be a favorite of most chicken people. I finally got some and they are so sweet. Mine are only 7 weeks but i am already so glad they are mine. I was told my the lady that gave them to me that the eggs are the perfect size for egg mcmuffins

 

[ukchickengirl]

thanks that those replys, i will def sort some out soon!

sorry another ? - can i put silkies in with large chickens or would it be better to keep them seperate?

H x

 

[DoctorGoose]

My silkies run with the standards--but they were all raised together. I'm not sure if that makes a difference or not. Two of my GLW are best buddies with the pullet and will snuggle with her so close that all you can see is her eyes...

 

[silkiechicken]

My silkies go with my larger birds and I have lots of generations of birds running around. They are just like the others really. Just thing is I don't keep large crested ones because they can't see and get killed quickly by predators. Made that mistake with a pair of polish which lasted all of 3 months free ranging. I don't keep my birds in a run during the day.

 

[thndrdancr]

I have also read that they are not quite as bright as other chickens, i.e. they need other chickens to lead them in the coop when its cold and raining, etc.

I am just now blessed (or cursed?) with a showgirl (turken crossed with a silkie). She is about 5 days old and already I can tell she is dense as a post, but she is a darlin lil thing. A terror, but cute as a bugs ear.

 

[silkiechicken]

I know my silkies are dumber than rocks when they can't see. Then as soon as you chop down the puff, they are just like the others if not feistier!

 

[jkcove08]

Also remember if thier wing feathers are real silkie then they wont hardly be able to fly away from predators. They will also need step ups to get to a decent place to roost. I had one that some how fell into an old small fridge that my DH was going to use for a small water trough but couldnt get it to hold water. He was in there all day since he couldnt fly out. My silkies will be in a fenced area from now on, to many ways to get hurt . I really love them though and am very glad I have them. Jenn

 

[AtRendeAcres]

I have my 2 silkies with my 2EE they brooded together!

They have been no extra work!