Australia - Six states..and that funny little island.

[appps]

Hi guys just about to head off and buy my first few chooks. Any advice on breed we live in town so can't have a roster and was thinking about silikies but I've heard they don't lay eggs much and the fact the eggs are half the size but considering I'm new to all this any advice would be great

If you don't want to hatch eggs I wouldn't go silkies (unless you love the look). Ours spends far more time broody than she does laying so we are constantly having to get her unbroody which means no eggs. Think we got two eggs between this bout of broodiness and the last.

I love all the exotic breeds but am seriously thinking about going for something with the broodiness bred out mostly. We have been averaging 2 eggs a day with 7 chooks because half of them are always broody.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is decide what your priority is. If its pets and friendliness go with something a bit more interesting. If its soley egg production stick with the tried and true but more common breeds.

 

[Fancychooklady]

Another thing to keep in mind, silkies don't fly and are not capable of getting up to high perches. Lots of ladders or low perches.

 

[Teila]

Teila, they could still be purebred. Often 2 five toed parents will throw a 4 toed chick , just means they aren't of show quality. I even have a 6 toed hen. I try to keep as close to the standard as possible because I sell fertile eggs. But I have silkie x Wyandotte that are every bit as adorable.
This little guy is the only 4 toed silkie hatched here and his comb was less than desirable , but what a lovely little guy. I gave him away.

Fancychooklady, you could be my new best friend lols! I am learning as I go along and you have a wealth of knowledge!
As I mentioned, Cilla went broody and I didn't fancy the available options of breaking that broodiness so I drove out to a lady who was selling fertile Bantam Silkie eggs and bought 5!
I wish I had more time and didn't live in suburbia because I love spending time with my girls and would love to have more. Showing was not a consideration.
I have to admit, the rate they are growing, I did check back on her advert that she said 'Bantam" .. ah well, they are what they are and I adore them!

 

[SydneyChickens]

Hi guys just about to head off and buy my first few chooks. Any advice on breed we live in town so can't have a roster and was thinking about silikies but I've heard they don't lay eggs much and the fact the eggs are half the size but considering I'm new to all this any advice would be great

AUSTRALORPS! Quiet, good layers and mine are more like dogs haha LOVE a cuddle and purebreeds should lay most their life!

Wilma and I - my Australorp

 

[SydneyChickens]

PS: Thanx so much for the advise guys with worming! I got two the one starting with P lol and the one in a green bottle with a pic of a chicken, that was all they had but ill alternate between the two.

xx

 

[Fancychooklady]

Cute pics Sid. Exciting news. My avatar pic has been selected for the 2014 calendar . Wait till I tell my daughter. Got visitors from WA dropping in. Got get ready.

 

[TheChookPatch]

Thanks satay, they were very sweet birds, I have some ducks lined up for the end of the season, fingers crossed
Two fluffy golden pheasant babies so far and one pipping

 

[Fancychooklady]

Thanks satay, they were very sweet birds, I have some ducks lined up for the end of the season, fingers crossed
Two fluffy golden pheasant babies so far and one pipping

 

[Millsy]

Quick question guys thanks in advance. Can u have a mixed flock, I would like the eggs from a common mix breed chicken but would also like a few silkies as well

 

[Fancychooklady]

Quick question guys thanks in advance. Can u have a mixed flock, I would like the eggs from a common mix breed chicken but would also like a few silkies as well

My silkies get on quite well with everyone else. In fact I have a silkie that thinks she is a Wyandotte.