How many chicks and feeding? (TL;DR included)

[nine9d]

Wow, lots of opinions here, I love it! Some say get a few, some say get my limit.

I do know that bantams are hard to sex, but MPC does guarantee you get sexed females. I have read many reviews here, and other places that say they do a great job. As well as speaking with them personally. I do have a plan for any cockrels that I get as well, my friend is going to take them, or my neighboring town can as well. Thanks!

When it comes to Silkies, what do you mean when you say special needs? Is it better to get more then 1? And why would they not be good to put in a mixed group? Sorry to ask so many different questions in this thread, I just like to have as much knowledge as possible.

Also, I know what you mean by not putting a price on love. I have saltwater fish that I love dearly, I think they eat better then my family!

 

[Folly's place]

Silkies have those cute funny feathers that many people love, but they come with real issues. They can't really fly. They can't see well, especially overhead, so are easy prey for raptors. They aren't well insulated, either from heat or cold. Their skull is more easily damaged by pecking.
Many people have found that separate housing is safest for them, and a solitary chicken is a very unhappy chicken. Get a few, or none. My best advice!
(Obviously I'm not a fan of this breed; had some many years ago, didn't know how to manage them, not a good story.)
I think that they are a breed that you will either love, or not. No middle ground!
Mary

 

[nine9d]

Thanks so much for the response Mary. I will look more into them. My daughter was the one who picked that species out, so I just was going purely off of her selection.

With everything being said here, some saying go with 6, some saying get the max (12), I am still confused what to get, haha. Maybe 9 is an o.k. number, if not, I would err on the side of less then more.

Still, there are really no solid opinions here on feeding and the amounts of feed people go through, perhaps a different thread more focused on that would help, as we went off the rails here.

Any and all information still appreciated though. Thanks so much for all you guys/gals help thus far!

- Ross

 

[nomirawr1]

I would also say start with a smaller amount (my personal preference would be 4-6 max). If you decide it's 'not for you', then less to rehome. If eggs are a consideration, consider staggering them, so some are on their 1st year, some 2nd year, etc... so you will always have a plentiful supply. Gives you a chance to get used to caring for them, etc...

If you're not sure you can afford to feed them, spend some time with someone who has chickens and discuss it - everyone's chickens will be different, in how much of and what they eat, dependent on many variables. Make sure you can afford it before committing - and remember it'll take months for little chicks to begin laying.

I can't speak to sexing bantams, but if you're getting little chicks, always have plan B for unplanned cockerels, as noted above

 

[Folly's place]

I guess I'm so far from having only six to twelve bantams, I can't comment on feed costs, except to say that it will not be expensive! At least compared to feeding over forty, including big birds, or cat or dog food, or horse food. You will likely do best buying smaller than 50 lb. bags of feed, so it is fresh enough when eaten. That raises the cost per pound a bit, but still, very few small birds to be fed.
Good food pays off, so trying to 'get by' with the cheapest stuff is no bargain either.
Mary

 

[BantyChooks]

Thanks so much for the response Mary. I will look more into them. My daughter was the one who picked that species out, so I just was going purely off of her selection.

With everything being said here, some saying go with 6, some saying get the max (12), I am still confused what to get, haha. Maybe 9 is an o.k. number, if not, I would err on the side of less then more.

Still, there are really no solid opinions here on feeding and the amounts of feed people go through, perhaps a different thread more focused on that would help, as we went off the rails here.

Any and all information still appreciated though. Thanks so much for all you guys/gals help thus far!

- Ross

I have never had issues with Silkies being fragile, but I have only had hatchery stock. Breeder quality with their enormous crests could be different. My current Buff Silkie cock doesn't bat an eye at -20F.

As for feed costs, I am unsure. I have never had a flock that small. I currently have about 35 birds and go through 50 lbs of feed per week. That's about $10.

I started with about 40--45 laying hens, lol. I don't do anything halfway.

 

[lazy gardener]

Welcome to BYC. Here's my take on Bantams: They are like Tribbles! The hens often go broody. Even if you don't get a cockerel, you are bound to have a broody hen now and then. So, I'd get a small flock of bantams. Then, when you have a broody, tuck a few bantam eggs under her. (You should be able to find some on your state thread.) However, only do so, if you have an exit plan for the inevitable cockerels. No matter how many you get, be sure you provide a nice big coop and run, with lots of ventilation, and make it predator proof.

 

[nine9d]

Thanks again for the info all, such a wealth of it.

I am far from not being able to support, care or afford them. Just reading some basics of cost on the interwebs, it had me questioning how do people do it. Hearing first hand from you all here reassures me of the cost, time and effort it will take for my new flock.

I do want to thank each and every one of you that are helping us all out here. And @lazy gardener & @BantyChooks I've read many of your guys threads and comments, thanks for being such a helpful people. Not to take anything away from others that contribute as well.

 

[BantyChooks]

Thanks again for the info all, such a wealth of it.

I am far from not being able to support, care or afford them. Just reading some basics of cost on the interwebs, it had me questioning how do people do it. Hearing first hand from you all here reassures me of the cost, time and effort it will take for my new flock.

I do want to thank each and every one of you that are helping us all out here. And @lazy gardener & @BantyChooks I've read many of your guys threads and comments, thanks for being such a helpful people. Not to take anything away from others that contribute as well.

Thank you, I am glad I can pass along some of the amazing information I've received here. Chickens definitely don't have to be complicated at all—some choose to make it difficult, but it really comes down to that they just need a good place to sleep, plenty of space, fresh water, and good feed. They're probably one of the easiest critters you'll find most anywhere.

 

[AlleysChicks]

I have separate feed for my bantams and egg layer chickens. I go through 50lbs in about a month with 9 bantams and 2 LF. The 2 LF were raised with the silkies and I’ve not had any problems with them. Some days they eat a lot and other days they just nibble at the food.
Another thing to consider since you mentioned eggs is egg size. Bantams don’t lay large eggs. So if you’re looking to feed breakfast depending on how many people id go with more.