new babies

[sassy72]

just bought some baby silkies and was wondering how long do they need to be under the heat light. I have 2 that are approx. 7 weeks old and 2 that are approx 3-4 weeks old. Any help and advice is appreciated. Have only raised Rhode Island Reds in the past. Thanks

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I have noticed that my silkies like the heat lamps a little longer than the regular breeds. Just my opinion. I run the lights for them for a couple of months, especially if they are shivering (mine were).

 

[wbruder17]

Depends on the weather in your location. They should definitely have wing and tail feathers, which are curly and look more like regular feathers than their ordinary fluff.

 

[sassy72]

I live in Salisbury North Carolina... and they still have fluff

 

[wbruder17]

If it is warm...65+ degrees, I would turn off the light for a bit during the day and see what they do. If they huddle together, they need the lamp.

The younger ones id say leave it on for a bit yet. They will show you if they are cold.

I don't heat my coop at all, even in winter, but tend to pamper my babies a bit. Better safe than sorry.

 

[sassy72]

i have them in the house in a plastic tub with a heat lamp on them it is around 72 degrees in the house.

 

[wbruder17]

They certainly are funny looking little chickies, aren't they? I named mine Mystic and Skeksies after the Dark Crystal. I just thought they looked so much like Jim Henson characters.

My Mama silkie was actually just published in Oregon Department of Agriculture's 2011 Poultry calendar... I'm such a nerd, I know.

 

[sassy72]

yea they do and surprisingly my husband didn't have a fit when i brought them home and went to a show today and bought a silkie rooster

i have 50 RIR on order and he didn't say a word so he must like these guys