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

[Anniebee]

My silkies free range all the time and we have very wet winters here, although it only gets down to about 10c overnight usually. Mine do fine as long as they are reasonably dry by bedtime. I sometimes have to dry them off at bedtime if they have decided to spend to long standing in the rain.

Exactly my point sjturner79 .... they take a bit of looking after if they are prone to 'loving the rain'. !!

It would be allowing them to go to bed wet, or having them wet overnight when they are docile and sleepy - and unable to help themselves ( as was the case with my dear little Moppit ) .... that could be disastrous. I don't think they CAN help themselves, if wet through - which is why I see here you sometimes have to dry them off before bedtime.

I so wish I knew back then, what I know now - about Silkies.

BUT - they are beautiful birds, and if housed in perfect conditions for them, with appropriate shelter from being wet - they should live long and happy lives.

Cheers ........

 

[LuckysMum]

MyHaven love the chicks. I'm jealous.

My 2cents on the hay issue. I don't use hay I use pine chips in the run when it gets boggy and hemp in the coop and nesting boxes. I was told the hemp doesn't have any nasties or problems with mould or unwanted pests.

I've been to scared to let my silkies out today because it rained all day. So I can understand anyone not wanting to get them wet. I'm a bit of a sook and worry to much.

 

[CluckerFeet]

I personally use pine shavings to cover the floor under the perches in my coop. The chooks are happy with it and the pine scent helps to cover the "lovely" scent of the birds. ;7

 

[MyHaven]

They are so cute! They look very happy.

Are these all the same breed or is there a mix? Could you please tell me the breeds! :7

These little guys are purebred brahmas. There is a mix of colours (I'm not sure what all the colours are called) - partridge, splash, coronation, pencilled/laced in blue and buff and who know what else.

I don't normally incubate but these guys are smartest I have ever hatched without a clucky hen. They just jumped straight in and ate and drank without being shown. The first hatched on day 19 and it seems to teach the others. It comes out and gets the food first and the others follow.

 

[MyHaven]

LOL! Yes you are right. Yesterday it was putting them in the run that took FOREVER!! Today I left them in the run (2m x 4m) seems huge for three small chicks so I thought it would be alright for the day. Threy walked into the coop themselves once it was dark enough I just had to close the door behind them. AWESOME!! Tomorrow we will free range them and see if they make their way back into the coop. Fingers crossed.

Even with big chooks when changing bedrooms or sleeping arrangements I leave them locked in for several days to learn where to come back to. You guys are little, if you leave them locked in the run for a few days it might save you having to put them to bed. They may work it out on there own easier.

 

[MyHaven]

That's true, but northern red fowl mite live their entire life on the bird.

Ok thank, Moonandmcgee if the vet didn't find any mites you she should be right. But always keep an eye out and use preventatives.

I'm lucky to have never had red mite. Touch wood.

 

[MyHaven]

That would be great. I have been looking for a Dorking breeder that has more than just bantams for about 12 months. Hopefully one of them would be willing to post eggs.

If they're not prepared to post, I will for you. All care but no responsibility.

 

[MyHaven]

They are absolutely gorgeous MyHaven .... you are so fortunate, .... and I am so envious   

One day - maybe ???  I will try to hatch some myself - have a friend who has a whiz bang incubator, with which he has had much success.   

Still in the thinking stage though, and the 'how the heck could we do this' stage as well.

Ultimate housing is the problem for me ... doesn't stop me wondering and wishing though ....

All wee new chickens are so tiny and cute.   

You are very fortunate .... well done ....

This does me for the season, from these guys I will choose a couple of keepers, and I'll be at capacity. Nearly.

 

[MyHaven]

Exactly my point sjturner79 .... they take a bit of looking after if they are prone to 'loving the rain'.  !! 

It would be allowing them to go to bed wet, or having them wet overnight when they are docile and sleepy - and unable to help themselves  ( as was the case with my dear little Moppit ) ....  that could be disastrous.   I don't think they CAN help themselves, if wet through - which is why I see here you sometimes have to dry them off before bedtime.  

I so wish I knew back then, what I know now - about Silkies.  

BUT - they are beautiful birds, and if housed in perfect conditions for them, with appropriate shelter from being wet  - they should live long and happy lives.

Cheers ........  

I just love silkies, I really miss mine. Fancies new girls are beautiful.

 

[MyHaven]

MyHaven love the chicks. I'm jealous.

My 2cents on the hay issue.  I don't use hay I use pine chips in the run when it gets boggy and hemp in the coop and nesting boxes.  I was told the hemp doesn't have any nasties or problems with mould or unwanted pests. 

I've been to scared to let my silkies out today because it rained all day.  So I can understand anyone not wanting to get them wet.  I'm a bit of a sook and worry to much. 

It's normal to care. Keep it up but don't stress.

I use straw in the coop and when in drought and there is no grass I throw a biscuit of hay into the run to make up for their greens.

Now I've finally caught up - I've been running about three pages behind you lot.

I only want to add - Francy I am so jealous of your garden and surrounds.