Keep Silkies Warm?

[Robert Kazlauski]

I live in Maryland and we can have cold winters. I have a docile buff orpington and a bit more aggressive cinnamon queen. Both are adults. I would like to get 1 or 2 silkie bantams. Will my two existing hens accept the new pullets that I hope to get? Dont know how old they might be or where I can find such started pullets.

Also, must I provide heat for these pullets in the winter? I really did not want to install electricity there for safety reasons. If I must provide heat, any suggestions?

Anyone know a breeder that sells excellent quality bearded white and buff started silkie pullets? THANKS

 

[Debbie292d]

My understanding is that your state doesn't get but a couple of weeks at 0F or so at the lowest?

What I'd do if I was you in that climate is just get a radiant panel heater, like Cozy Coop or Sweeter Heater. You can put the chicks outside when fully feathered at about 6-8 weeks, but if the temps dip down about then, having that heater for them to sleep next to or near would help them.

Check with indigoegg.us Her name is Bobbi Porto. I got my buffs and cuckoos from her via hatching eggs. They're expensive, but she's won national awards for her birds. I'm in the process of getting some 4-month-old ones overnighted from her. That's going to run me around $400 for four of them, due to expensive shipping. She can maybe sex some at 3 months though for you that would be a bit cheaper.

Otherwise, silkie chicks are straight-run and can't be sexed until they are at the earliest, 3 months, though sometimes a few can be picked out younger. Most of the time I can't figure out them all until they are 4 months old.

Here's a not all inclusive list of some silkie breeders this member compiled that might help too.