How to raise silkie chicks?

[BluejaySerenade]

Around 4 days ago we got 2 silkie chicks (vaulted skull on both). Their parents seemed to be sweethearts when I met them so I don’t think their genetics are aggressive. But I’ve heard many different things like don’t touch them as chicks or always cuddle with them and it’s very confusing. I would like them to be non aggressive and wondering how others have raised their silkies to be nice. Both are unsexed but we are hoping they are hens. We have 8 other hens who are a year old now and still deciding if we will put them together when they are older because we don’t want our girls to peck their heads and many have told us they will if we put them together. Here is a few pictures if needed.

 

[Mutchi]

Of course you can't help but hold them or cuddle them, personally I have never owned silkies. But they are adorable and fluffy I don't mind those who say that you can't touch or cuddle them.

 

[BluejaySerenade]

Of course you can't help but hold them or cuddle them, personally I have never owned silkies. But they are adorable and fluffy I don't mind those who say that you can't touch or cuddle them.

I agree they are very cute but I don’t want to stress them so I try not to too much because when I reach into their home they peep and run, I think they think I’m a predator. Poor fellas

 

[ChickForLife]

I agree they are very cute but I don’t want to stress them so I try not to too much because when I reach into their home they peep and run, I think they think I’m a predator. Poor fellas

This sounds like your brooder is on the ground. When you reach in from the top to grab them they think you are a hawk swooping in to eat them. Try and set your brooder up on a table and reach at them from the side. They will be way calmer. Also, you should hold them as much as you can to make them friendly, just make sure you don't hold them for too long or they will get cold.

 

[BluejaySerenade]

Update: Tonight Aphrodite(the white one) got pasty butt, we fixed and they pooped on me LOL but I wonder if this has a cause so I can prevent in future?

 

[Joyfillednomads]

Around 4 days ago we got 2 silkie chicks (vaulted skull on both). Their parents seemed to be sweethearts when I met them so I don’t think their genetics are aggressive. But I’ve heard many different things like don’t touch them as chicks or always cuddle with them and it’s very confusing. I would like them to be non aggressive and wondering how others have raised their silkies to be nice. Both are unsexed but we are hoping they are hens. We have 8 other hens who are a year old now and still deciding if we will put them together when they are older because we don’t want our girls to peck their heads and many have told us they will if we put them together. Here is a few pictures if needed.

So cute fluffy & fun. If you could only raise one breed would it be silliest? Any color especially?

 

[Joyfillednomads]

Nice birds get handled and are around people. Some breeds just don't like people tho. We keep our chicks inside for ~6weeks, depending on the weather. And they meet the dogs and get handled and it's making our little flock so friendly.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Update: Tonight Aphrodite(the white one) got pasty butt, we fixed and they pooped on me LOL but I wonder if this has a cause so I can prevent in future?

It comes from their bodies being stressed forum the wrong tenperatures, or other stress (eating too early, shippinh, other outside sources of stress)

 

[Chicalina]

You raise silkies the same as you raise any other chick. Just love and care for them. Handle them gently and as much as possible. When it's integration time, do the same as you would for any other breed, which involves introducing them in a separate area where they can be seen, watching carefully, separating if necessary, etc etc.

They aren't special needs chickens as such. Be prepared to trim their crests and muffs (if bearded) so they can see properly. Design your run so there are plenty of hidey places, perches to jump up to, extra food and water stations etc.

Mine fare beautifully in a mixed flock.

 

[Joyfillednomads]

It comes from their bodies being stressed forum the wrong tenperatures, or other stress (eating too early, shippinh, other outside sources of stress)

Fluffy chickens tend to get it mire I believe