Is a silkie right for me?

[buttercup95]

Hi I live in Norther california and I was just wondering what you guys thought about me getting a silkie or more specifically this silkie. I have plenty of cochins so I know how to keep them cool (frozen water bottles, watering down the run, shade, etc.) So I was just wondering what you thought about this silkie and if there's anything special I should know about the breed. ie health problems specifically related to silkies

 

[Whittni]

Silkies do great in both hot and cold weather. My silkie does great with cold water and treats in my crazy weather of 100*F. Assume all silkies you purchase a males and assume they will be very loud. If you can deal with that then whatever you end up with is wonderful.

Silkies don't see very well if their crests are bigs, so they are prone to being caught by predators which means you'll want a secure run. You'll also want low roosts, as they don't fly high. They are also commonly tame.

Good luck, its up to you.

 

[buttercup95]

Silkies do great in both hot and cold weather. My silkie does great with cold water and treats in my crazy weather of 100*F. Assume all silkies you purchase a males and assume they will be very loud. If you can deal with that then whatever you end up with is wonderful.

Silkies don't see very well if their crests are bigs, so they are prone to being caught by predators which means you'll want a secure run. You'll also want low roosts, as they don't fly high. They are also commonly tame.

Good luck, its up to you.

Can I trim the crest feathers for the better? Or is that not good for them? Also the noise isn't a problem I live waaayyy out so my neighbor a mile away won't mind. I assumed they'd need low roost just like my cochins so that's not a problem. I'm also thinking of keeping him in a pen with only one other bird that's not a silkie [after the quarantine period and without intentions of breeding right now)] how do they do in smaller groups? If you're good at showing/breeding them does this look like a nice silkie? I'm not going to show and I know this picture isn't very suitable for what I'm asking but anything would be a great help. I'm pretty much sold on him already anyways.

 

[buttercup95]

oh and is his color unusual?

 

[Ranikonhirio]

no looks like its color is buff

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Buffs do not have black in their crests. Sometimes in wings or tail, but I've never seen one with black in it crest. I can't see enough of the body to tell what colour it is, but something non-standard. Crest rarely blocks much vision. It's the muff feathers that do. Yes, you can trim the feathers that are blocking the eyes with baby nail scissors.

 

[Fancychooklady]

Silkies are very pleasing little creatures. I have less heat related problems with my silkies, than I do with slw.

 

[aoxa]

Raising silkies would not be much different than raising cochins. The two breeds co-exist very well together

 

[DaisyMay1983]

I only have one and it's a young cockerel, about 5 months old. He is awesome. He doesn't see well due to the feathers falling over his eyes, but that makes him perfect for my 3 year old daughter to hold and carry around as he doesn't run away. VERY friendly and tame. He will fall asleep in our laps and make a funny "purring" noise! My friends all love him!

 

[buttercup95]

Well I'm glad to hear that. I sure hope I get him. I just have to get a hold of the owner. He/she doesn't seem to want answer their phone this morning