I haven't a Silkie, but they sound like they make great pets. You should research a bit though, because they are bantams and you may have to be careful what other breeds you put with them. I have heard that they are frequently the victims of larger and more aggressive birds. It would be best to put other smaller, docile breeds with them, like Salmon Favorelles (never had these either). Also, most chickens will do anything for treats. They will come running for a handful of sunflower seeds and you will be seen as the treat lady and they will love you for it. A few will jump on your lap and enjoy a pet, but most will just hang around with you.
Ameraucanas are pretty and lay blue eggs. If you get them from the feed store, they will be the wrong color for the breed and are often referred to as Easter Eggers because as a group, they can lay a variety of colored eggs, green being the predominant. You can get bantam Ameraucanas from a breeder.
Every person on BYC will have their favorites and you will get a million opinions on what are best. A generally speaking, I would stay away from Mediterranean breeds (Leghorns, Minorcas, etc) because they tend to be flightly and not as friendly. Good old dual purpose standards (like barred Rock, New Hampshire, Orpingtons, Australorps) are usually good tempered and friendly. You should look through the breeds section at the top of the page. Lots of good info there and there are dedicated threads for most breeds where you can ask questions. If you like the look of Silkies and Ameraucanas, try looking at Cochins which are quite wonderfully round (bantams and frizzeled ones too!) and also bantam d'Anvers (very pretty, feathered feet and faces). If I have room in the future, I would consider trying these. We have recently gotten 2 Seramas for my younger son. They are tiny and very friendly.
One last thing, chickens that come from a hatchery are often quite different in look and temperament to what you will find from a good breeder. They will not be show chickens, and many people with high expectations are disappointed with them. That being said, the majority of my small flock are hatchery birds and they are great. Healthy, lovely, and good layers, just not beauty queens.
