Does anyone else not like silkies?

[sophiejw]

I think they look lovely and cute. But tried hatching some black ones, got one chick who turned out to be a rooster (I think anyway)- he's an odd character, very nervy, won't be handled and spends most of his time in the chicken house with his "mum" who has gone broody again. Have to feed him separately from the others or he doesn't get any food and now I've just started letting my 10 week old chicks freerange he spends alot of time chasing them about. He is funny to watch as he hasn't worked out he can't fly yet, runs along flapping and kind of bounces. But cute as he is I'm not keeping him, my friend wants a silkie cockerel so he's going to live with him. Would be tempted to get more but since I don't think I'd want to eat them with the black flesh I don't think I'd dare hatching any more out in case I get more males. He does stay quite clean though (maybe black hides the dirt better than white

) Maybe I'll find some confirmed pullets and buy them sometime, but I have to say I far prefer my Polish cresteds- they jump up and sit on my shoulder so are far more fun!

 

[BayouPoules]

Quote:
Funny,.. I never once thought it was bashing the breed,.. you were just wondering if there were others that felt like you do,..

I for one, was never a big fan,.. they somewhat resemble a chicken

,.. but they aren't good to eat, not great egg layers,.. seem to be dirt magnets,..kinda expensive,.
Hey ,.. that describes most of the animals I've owned,.. maybe I would like silkies!

edited for silly spelling

 

[PurpleChicken]

Nothing like a fresh steaming pot of silkie soup.

 

[mame1616]

Quote:
PC, you are very naughty. I felt like I was the only one who was not a silkie fan. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate all animals, but that doesn't mean I love them with the same fervor as the breeds I feel a connection with. I don't care for cats, either - that doesn't mean I don't appreciate their appeal to others. I prefer large fowl, the bigger the better, so I am already in a minority right there. I think they are like cute little toys, but that's pretty much it. I appreciate that others find them irresistible, but as long as I don't have to have any, I'm good. Whew! I felt like I was the only one! Feels good to get that off my chest!

 

[SkyWarrior]

I honestly don't have any desire to own a silkie. The reason is because I want eggs and I want a chicken that -- despite PC's picts -- I can eat if I don't like it. I'm sure they make cute pets, but they're not for me. Glad others love their silkies -- I do not begrudge them.

Silkies look odd to me too.

 

[joebryant]

For pickled eggs, silkie eggs are the best.
Two silkie eggs are more than one large egg for breakfast.

 

[oldchickenlady]

I don't hate silkies...but I have no desire to own one. I sort of feel sorry for some of them, you know the ones that are so fluffy you can't see anything of their face but the tip of their beaks? How do they see to do anything? They dont look real to me, much less like a real chicken! But, to each his own!

 

[joebryant]

Quote:
My silkies can see very well. Once a year I take my beard trimmer and go straight up on both sides of their face. That way they can see a hawk if one should come around.
BTW Silkies are NOT chickens. Silkies are a special animal bred by Dr. Seuss as models for his books.

 

[pascopol]

Quote:
Yea, it is just like naked necks, lov'em or hate them. I did not raise silkies so far, since I like to eat my excess roos, and silkies have this black skin yuk!
I bet orientals love to eat 'em just like they love to eat partially developed ducks embrios. I find it disgusting and repulsive (eating duck embrios).

However I consider getting silkies and cross them with gamefowl chicken, this might be the ultimate broody hen! Both breeds are great mothers, but gamefowl hens will fight to death protecting their young.

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

All I can say is .. that picture made me cry!

I really can not believe anybody could do that!