He wants silkies......

[saddina]

So we let the kids select the chicks from the box as to which they wanted to keep (we split an order with 2 other city families) and my 5 yr old picked a packing peanut BR (the others were yellows, and I knew they were spares, so we passed on those). Well 4 months later Senoir Cocky (as he's called now), is getting rehomed (city regs), so I sat with the boy, and asked if he wanted to pick out a new chicken... and he picks silkies!
I know nada about silkies, or bantams, other than everyone comments they're evil. Are we talking sinisterly evil, or like pokemon, taking over the world with cuteness evil?

I have a few books but the blubs on silkies are small, and doesn't tell me how they'd do with a 5 yr old (he knows how to mind his manners around hens and animals in general), but how calm/freaked out would the silkie be? If it's not a good idea for him, I'd rather know now than later.

Future silkieaholic?

 

[mom2chicksandpups]

I have always been told that Silkies make good pets. Other small breeds might be known for aggression, but not Silkies. I have 3 young ones and they are great so far! I also have relatives with grown Silkies who say they are gentle compared to their other chickens.

 

[ZZsBabiez]

Everybody loves Silkies! They are snuggly, soft and sooooo cute! Mine are lap chickens..

 

[Southern Chickens]

I have had them , most of my life. I know that others on here could help more, but I love them.

I think they are great as a pet and friend of the family. They are friendly and soft to pet. I have 5 silkies now and eggs going to the incubator.

When he gets older he could show them at the county fair with the 4H or FFA. Bantams are just like normal chicks, but smaller. I try to keep mine apart until they all have feathers/fuzz. Go get him some Silkes and you will all fall in love with them!

 

[AHappychick]

mine are great around my 3 1/2 year old. I think they make great pet chickens for kids.

 

[Sugar Sand Farm]

We are taking our 8 year old granddaughter to pick out her silkies this Sunday. She wants something that she can carry around and love on. I have heard they love to be held and petted. I would get more than one as the breeder says silkies like to live with the ones they are brooded with.

 

[saddina]

We have full sized hens already, can silkies move out to the coop or are they an indoor/cage only thing? (temps go 110-50's during the year here). We would get 2 chicks so they can get to outdoor size together, and then into them to the other 2 girls.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Silkies, silkies, silkies.

The vast majority are very sweet-tempered and wonderful around kids (around all people

) Once in a while you will find one who isn't--at least so I've heard. I've never experienced that.

Silkies do fine with larger breeds--if anything the silkies will take charge. They DO do better with birds they have been raised with. I have one hen who is very picky about which other birds are allowed in HER pen.

Some silkies are a bit jumpy--I think that has more to do with being surprised when someone comes up to them--their crest and muffs are usually large enough that it blocks a large portion of thier vision--I've never had ones without the vision issue act jumpy. So the answer there is to trim the feathers that block their view. You can also tape up the crest with hair tape.

Silkies do quite well i cold weather as long as they don't get wet. They handle heat a bit less well, but if they have plenty of shade and cool water it shouldn't be too much of an issue. I turn misters and fans on on hot, hot days--and yes, we get HOT here. 110 is common for much of the summer and we always get a few days that go into the hundred teens.

I wouldn't put a bird who is not used to the heat straight out into our summer weather, and I wouldn't put small chicks outside before they've built up some insulating feathers (yes, those same feathers that help keep them warm also help keep them cool).

Enjoy!

 

[chickenwhisperer123]

I have heard MANY great things about silkies, and ended up getting 9 of them this year. They are WAY friendlier than the polish, and dont mind getting picked up.

I would say that they are a GREAT choice for young kids, and if you get one and it doesnt work out, Ill give you my adress!!

 

[Southernbelle]

They are evil like Pokemon taking over the world with their cuteness.

Some people are put off by how poodly frou-frou they look - not a "real" chicken, but I love them. They're friendly, silly and great brooders and mothers.