New member

[ruizprl14]

Hi group my name is Angela, we live in pearl river LA . we recently got some chickens from a friend who let them free range we have put them into coops. I'am seeing chicken runs are open and was wondering , my friend gave me 6 white silkies after the rain last wk I've lost 2. And 2 more the day before also changed there food n see some have the runs. My coops stay clean always have fresh clean water n feeding trays. Its warm here around the 70's or so .
So my main question is. Is it okay for chicken runs to get wet as we are now in April n April showers are here ?
Most runs I see have a tarp over the top nothing on the sides to keep water out. Is it okay for them tp get wet ? Plz help I'am getting discussed bc I take very good care of my chickens n then my new neighbors dont even feed his they stay wet n in mud from his pugs n goats n his live. I'am not understanding what I'am doing wrong. My neighbors chickens come by me everyday to eat could they be carriers n gibing my chickens something ?
Thanks in advance. Blessed be to all

 

[Poultry parent]

Silkies are terribly at staying warm, so make
Sure the coop doesn't have any drafts. My hens get rained on plenty, and besides looking terrible they're fine

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas and

! Pleased you joined our community! I don't know very much about silkies, unfortunately. You might inquire in the Silkie Thread here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/297632/silkie-thread
As to your other question - yes, it is very possible that your neighbor's chickens have made yours sick. Can you take measures to keep them from mingling? Also, feel free to visit the LA thread in the link below if you'd like to chat with some of your poultry owning neighbors:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread
Good luck to you and thanks for joining BYC!

 

[drumstick diva]

Your neighbors chickens could very well be spreading illness to yours. They don't sound like the best of flock raisers. They criticize you because your actions really make them look bad. If there is someway you can prevent the neighbors birds from getting near yours, please do pursue it.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - you have some great advice and links already so I'll just say hello!

All the best
CT

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under ruizprl14

Welcome!

I am sorry for your loss

I had two Silkies a couple of years ago and I have always remembered being told not to let them go to bed wet or damp. Water does not run off Silkies feathers like a normal chicken which means then can get soaked through to the skin. Not a problem if the weather is nice and they are going to dry out but definitely a cause for concern if they are not able to dry out before roost time. But I am also not a Silkie expert so checking in with the folks on the Silkie thread is a good idea.

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

 

[N F C]

Sorry for the losses you've had. Do what you can to keep the neighbor's chickens away from yours and do check out the silkie thread.

Best of luck!