"Toilet bowl brushes."
....sorry..... but that exactly described how I think of so many I see here on BYC!
I don't have silkies (and never plan to get any) but I can see why someone would be worried about them, since I don't see how those "feathers" can possibly keep them warm like regular chicken feathers. I'm even keeping my frizzled Cochin inside longer, even though s/he's no longer ill, because I don't think those feathers would work as well as regular feathers.
Today I brought in a very bullied and battered SF cockerel and put it with Fritzie. They squared off a couple of times, eye to eye, and Fritzie did jump down off the brooder roost onto him, once, but there's been no other squabbling or fighting. Fritzie is now munching down on feed right next to the un-named, SF and they were both kicking pine shavings around together a few minutes ago.
The SF has had its head picked bald and there are some wounds near its neck. It was also VERY thirsty and hungry. I know that breed can be easily bullied, so I've been trying to keep several feeders and waterers out and around for everybody. This little one has been following me around and coming to stand right next to my feet every time I stop. I saw it was losing head feathers yesterday and today it is bald with the boo-boos on its neck. 39 degrees outside - which is cold for HERE - and I just realized it really needed rescuing. Fritzie now has company.
But I will defer to the wiser members who have already posted reassurances about your silkies being warm enough.
