Can silkies be free range birds??

[Russ13]

I really like sillies but I’m going to have a free range flock. I’ve read that silkies don’t do well free ranging and are better kept in a run. Does anyone have free range silkies and if so how do they do??

 

[sourland]

In a free range situation, silkies are somewhat more vulnerable to predation.

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

Yes the silkie feathering makes it hard for them to fly, and their poofs make it hard to see.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I keep mine Semi Wild, but it's possible to free range them. They just need extra hiding places, since they can't fly.

I'd recommend getting Silkies with less of the head Floof, or trim it down so they have better sight.

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

Totally possible to free range them. If you have a handful of regular chickens, they can also help watch for predators.