Raising Silkies...please provide your knowledge!

[klugshorses]

I am the proud new owner of 4 silkies! I am looking for any information on raising them. Like best things to provide them to lay eggs in, what types of feed, info on mites/dust boxes, when do they lay, any info on letting them hatch, really any information you can give me to keep them healthy and happy would be VERY much appreciated!!!

 

[perolane]

There's a Silkie thread here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=297632

Also, just look around the site...lots of info everywhere!

Congrats on your new Silkies and

 

[Fiddlehead]

HI, congrats on your silkies! I have had silkies for just over a year now and for me I guess the biggest issue has been lice/mites. Silkies are more prone to them than other breeds. It also depends on where you live, they thrive in certain climates more than others. My best advice is to be proactive about the nasty bugs and apply poultry dust or sevin dust on them periodically. I also use Diatomaceous Earth in the run and coop floor shavings.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

I do not believe silkies are more prone to mites/lice. However, it is easier to miss them when looking over one's birds.

 

[awesomefowl]

Don't let your silkies in the rain.

 

[Carol.in.WV]

Quote:
Actually mine go out in all weather except snow, they don't like deep snow but will stay on a shoveled path. As far as rain goes they look awful soaking wet, but it doesn't seem to harm them at all.......but they are not show birds. Just MHO

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

My birds go out in the rain & snow (as long as its not snowing too hard). The only time I really keep them in is if its pouring or freezing rain/sleeting out. They will get soaked and then when they go into the coop they shavings get all wet, so I have to change them after.

Another thing, I find that they do better, there feathering stays in better condition, if I keep them on 20% protein food as opposed to regular 18% feed.

 

[Chihuahuamom444]

Carol.in.WV :

Quote:
Actually mine go out in all weather except snow, they don't like deep snow but will stay on a shoveled path. As far as rain goes they look awful soaking wet, but it doesn't seem to harm them at all.......but they are not show birds. Just MHO

Mine hate the snow but also go out in any other weather, they live with other chickens so I don't treat them any diff, some how they manage to keep themselves purdy even in the muddy weather​

 

[Teresaann24]

Mine love the rain it does not effect them at all. They also love the snow they go out in and scratch in it just as if it was a sunny summer day.

 

[klugshorses]

Quote:
Thanks for the info...what brand of feed do you feed, right now because this is what my ducks/big chickens get is cracked corn mixed with a layers mix, but was looking to see if something would be better for them. Also what do you give them for grit? where do you put it, does it matter? Any info is appreciated!