Helllo from a Nubie...Need input from Silkie owners

[seismic wonder2]

When I first got mine I got three, build an elaborate ladder to the roost etc..., they just piled up in the saw dust on the floor.

Now I only have two and they still pile up to sleep...If you can call two a "pile"

 

[O.C.Chick]

Thank you all for sharing your silkie experiences. I've come to the conclusion that they may or may not roost, depending on the individual silkie's personality and how they were raised (or trained?).

I have built both a high and a low roost (see new picture of coop in progress at: www.florafauna.info .) One roost is about 2 feet high (on top of the block wall) and the second roost above it is about 6 feet tall and easily removable if they can't be persuaded to use it. I haven't built my ramps yet...still trying to figure out the logistics. I am building a nesting area on Friday (where the lumber is currently laying on the right), and trying to tie-in the ramps as a bridge from the nesting area to the roost. Does that make any sense???

I also built raised "stepping stones" out of Trex decking material to help me to avoid stepping in the manure...It won't rot and can easily be hosed-off. I will keep at least 4" deep bedding in the length of the run.

Anyway, thanks again for all of the well wishes and great information! Now I only have to find my silkies, which has proven more difficult than I could imagine...Build it and they will come? I sure hope so!!!

 

[GardeNerd]

Hi,

I am new to BYC too. Glad to see there are other Socal folks here. I'm in the South Bay area of Los Angeles. Have you found your silkies yet? I don't have silkies, but if you haven't located any yet, have you tried Ham and Eggs Ranch in Norco?

http://www.hamandeggsranch.com/live/animals/poultry/chickens/chickens_bantam/main.htm

I think I saw some bantam silkies on their website when I was looking for chicks. I think they were about $10 a chick.