We do something like the deep litter method. We just keep adding straw or some type of litter to the floor, on top of whet ever is ther. It will start composting the bottom layers, and so it doesnt stink if you keep adding layers often enough. It is great if you have a garden, because it is already composting in your chicken house. It also helps keep the coop warm in the winter, as the action of the microbes in the litter actually give off heat.
I would think your parents would like to see a list of expenses, such as start-up costs, and then a list of monthly expenses such as feed and stuff. This will help them see you are doing your research. Start-up costs dont have to be much more then the cost of the birds and food, if you do your research and get creative as far as coops and stuff. Which it sounds like you are already doing!
I would also go over to the breeds section, and ask for Silkie owners to tell you all about the pros and cons of the breed, so you can get a balanced veiw of them. That will show your parents you are serious about learning about them, and not just trying to show them only the good side of it.
