New silkie lover!

[CarrboroMidwife]

Hi all..

I am a newbie silkie mommy and I am seeking any and all advice on below ..

1. How cold can it get for them to be TOO cold?

I live in the triangle area of NC, we are having a cold snap and its getting down to 20 or so at night. I let them free-range during day when I'm home. Penned-up when I'm at work and in a henhouse ( no draft, plenty of shavings with laying boxes ay night).

2. When can I expect them to go broody? We just found out our roo was a Fernando ( not Freida

The girls are about 7 months old, Fernando is a month younger.
Can I expect chicks over the winter months?

3. What is the BEST food to feed these little ones in the winter? I give them pellets. Cracked corn and two scratch as a treat every day.

Ok...I'll think of more but that is it for now

 

[Kat's Silly Chickens]

First

and

from Texas.
I'm new to raising Silkies also. Ours are still young, so I'm not much help. Others will pop in and help with your ???'s

Nice to meet you,

 

[JenEric Farms]

1. I have silkies in Maine without added heat and no problems. Silkies are better suited for cold than extreme heat.

2. One hen may be broody nearly her whole life, while another never gets broody. This can't be answered. Are they currently laying?

3. What your feeding sounds fine. You could always add in some scrambled egg if you want (shell and all), it's good for them. Also, do you give them grit or oyster shells? If not, you should have that available for them.

 

[JenEric Farms]

Shoot, WELCOME to BYC... Forgot to say HI!

 

[muddyhorse]

My youngsters have a heat lamp.
If you have white silkies the corn will turn the feathers yellow, If they are just pets this is not a big deal, if you want to show them cut the corn.

 

[kleeo12]

I have Silkies and I did not know that about the corn....very good info- thank you