Greetings from the Seattle Area

[Giannine]

Hi everyone,
We just got our first chickens about a month ago—Silkies—and so after all my research ultimately ends up here, I figured I should join. I did grow up on a farm in Eastern Washington and always had chickens then but this is my first time as an adult keeping any.

We live in Bothell/Mill Creek and got 7 Silkies from Tacoma. I am still trying to figure out their official color names but we are enjoying them nonetheless.

They seem to differ in age because a couple of them are smaller than the others. We were told 5 of them were 4-weeks-old when we got them and the other 2 were less than a week old. That puts the older chicks close to 8-weeks-old. I am trying to decide if it would be necessary to keep them in my garage during the colder months. From what I read on here, people say it isn't necessary...I know they will survive but my concern is their comfort. I don't want them to be cold. Thoughts?

I know there are a lot of sexing threads on here and I will likely be tempted to post pics asking the same. I hate the thought of having to get rid of any but roosters aren't allowed in Bothell so I am hoping to meet some locals who may be interested in one once I find out what is what.

Hopefully everyone is enjoying their weekends!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - thanks for joining us. Here's a link to a search that I have just done, i hope that one of threads helps answer your question - https://www.backyardchickens.com/threadloom/search?query=silkies in winter&tab=618

Here’s a link to the Articles section - https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/ There you’ll find lots of information on almost every aspect of keeping chickens - from coop building ideas, to incubating eggs.

There’s a link on the page above to the Learning Centre - it’s a great resource. If you have a specific topic in mind, just type it in the search box - there's a wealth of information on past and present threads.

Each week, various topics are discussed, which can also be a great resource - https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/topic-of-the-week-thread-archive

You may wish to consider joining your state thread as it will put you in touch with other BYC members in your area - http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread#post_3239224

All the best

Pork Pie

 

[Giannine]

Hi and welcome to BYC - thanks for joining us. Here's a link to a search that I have just done, i hope that one of threads helps answer your question - https://www.backyardchickens.com/threadloom/search?query=silkies in winter&tab=618

Here’s a link to the Articles section - https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/ There you’ll find lots of information on almost every aspect of keeping chickens - from coop building ideas, to incubating eggs.

There’s a link on the page above to the Learning Centre - it’s a great resource. If you have a specific topic in mind, just type it in the search box - there's a wealth of information on past and present threads.

Each week, various topics are discussed, which can also be a great resource - https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/topic-of-the-week-thread-archive

You may wish to consider joining your state thread as it will put you in touch with other BYC members in your area - http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread#post_3239224

All the best

Pork Pie

Thanks so much!

 

[drumstick diva]

Silkies are extremely difficult to sex before 4-5 mos. of age, and sometimes not till they crow or lay eggs. Any guesses/opinions you are on young birds are not written in stone.

 

[Giannine]

Silkies are extremely difficult to sex before 4-5 mos. of age, and sometimes not till they crow or lay eggs. Any guesses/opinions you are on young birds are not written in stone.

That is what I gather from reading many posts on here, though some seem to be able to easily tell at around 8 weeks of age. I definitely wouldn't believe one way or another 100% until they get older. I have noticed two of them (one larger and the smallest of the large group) have much longer tufts coming from the back of their heads so I am guessing they could be streamers but am holding out hope that they aren't.

 

[N F C]

Hi Geannine, it's nice to have you here! Always feel comfortable asking questions, there are a lot of knowledgeable, helpful members who are willing to help out.

Make yourself at home and thanks for joining us!

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you joined us

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to Backyardchickens.com aka BYC!
We are glad you joined our flock.

This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:

 

[Giannine]

Thank you, all!