I could really use some advice on feeding my silkies.

[Gabrielle silkie lover]

I have two indoor silkies I adopted about a month ago but they still haven't gained enough weight.They act fine but I would really like them to get some weight on.They have had unlimited laying pellets to eat and I have dewormed them. Please share your advice.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Do they look under nourished? Silkies are not hefty birds.

If you believe they are truly underweight, have you tried treating them for mites?
That could also cause lack of weight gain.

Also de-worm again. You may not have used a medication that is effective against the worm type. What did you use?

LofMc

 

[Gabrielle silkie lover]

They don't feel that undernourished but I have had a few silkies before and they felt quite larger. I was told they were treated for mites but I do plan on treating them anyway to be sure.

 

[Blooie]

Like people, Silkies come in all size ranges...some you pick up and they feel like nothing but feathers, others that you pick up feel firm and meatier. Every chicken is a unique individual, I think. I've had both lightweights and hulks, even on the same diet, in the same environment, and out of the same hatch!

I would agree with @Lady of McCamley about some de-wormers being effective against only certain kinds of parasites, and would add that before you can make an accurate choice you almost need to know what you're up against, if anything. I'm of the school where I didn't like to treat for an unknown - didn't want to treat for mites unless I knew there were mites, etc. But I know that the way I do it isn't the way everyone does things.

Good luck with them...I hated Silkies before I got my first ones, under duress from the blue eyes of a granddaughter, but I learned to appreciate how tough they really are, how funny they are, and how just plain adorable they are!

 

[Lady of McCamley]

x2 @Blooie

I too have had Silkies that range is sizes. Some feel solid while others are very lightweight and more petite.

But no Silkie, no matter how much they gorge on grain, is a hefty bird.

And yes, these odd balls are endearing and amazingly sturdy. (The brooding mommas can downright be a force to be reckoned with if anyone touches those babies!)

 

[Gabrielle silkie lover]

Thank you for the advice.