Do Silkies?

[Teresaann24]

Do well in winter I mean are they a winter hardy breed of chicken?

 

[whitecra]

Yes they are.
Chris

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

They fair just as good as other breeds of poultry. As long as you aren't below freezing temps for extended periods of time they should be fine. I just block the North and West wind, and if it gets below freezing I'll hang a heat lamp for the night. Otherwise they do just great.

And they love the snow from what I hear..... bout as much as they love the rain.

 

[Teresaann24]

This will be my first winter with silkies I just was not sure. I know how they love the rain I never understood that..LOL

I also heard feeding them corn can raise their temp or something? But I also heard too much corn was bad for them.

 

[vfem]

I don't recall the corn thing...but I know they are more tolerate of heat and cold then some breeds. Reason I got them. I think Chris hit the nail on the head with taking some extra care, like you would any chicken.

 

[Rosecomb-Ryan]

mine do just fine in the winter

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

My silkies grew up in Southern California, where you can wear shorts, Hawaiian shirts, and flip flops in December. But now we are in Northern California where they have actual seasons. i think i need to bring them all into bed with us this winter.

 

[shelleyb1969]

This is my first winter with silkies. So far, I've just been a little more cautious with them than I need to. I guess they just look so delicate to me, I think they need the extra care.

I'm trying to overcome this thought pattern.

 

[kees]

My Silkies have been very happy in the winter. I minimize drafts by covering with plastic and they stay together at night.

:aww

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

Quote:
I know that marigold oil will yellow a white bird, and though it hasn't been proven I believe corn does the same thing... which is why my birds dont get scratch grains, or anything with marigold oil.

However I have heard that corn does keep them extra hot in the summer.

I can't be specific about the way it does it, but if its like other animals, corn is a starch. Starches turn to carbs, and carbs turn to sugar, which "hypes" them up. The extra energy their body produces is exerted in heat.

At least thats how I think it works. I'm not a vetrinarian and cannot be for certain, so take my explanation with a grain of salt, and feel free to research it further.