Silkie Can't See Around the Feathers

[BerrytangleFarm]

So, I've heard about trimming Silkies who can't see around the feathers. I have a 3.5-month-old who just doesn't seem to get around well. It was fine in the brooder, but in the new coop she doesn't go outside or inside herself.

How does one trim a Silkie?

 

[SunshineSilkies]

Quote:
I put mine at eye level, and take some small scissors and cut around the face sometimes. Most of the time, I take a small rubberband and give them a ponytail on top! When you put her down, look out!! She'll be flappin around because she will be able to see!

 

[welasharon]

Very carefully! I cut the fluff around my silkie's eyes but I have to be very careful because she shakes and I am afraid she will make me cut her eye. I bought some clippers and am going to try them this weekend. She is gaining weight and self confidence since I started trimming her back.
sharon

 

[Chicken Chat]

I have one hen that is especially fluffy around the eyes. She gets mean and cranky when she can't see. Lashes out at everyone if I don't keep her trimmed. She is usually pretty good about it. I have someone else hold her so I can have both hands free, I use one hand to stablize her head, don't want to poke her eye out, and do a quick trim around each eye. She is a doll baby after that, her old friendly self.

 

[whitneymoon]

Good to know!

 

[realsis]

I always trim my silkies crests! Once a month they all get a trim. I very carefully cut a area out around the eyes and this does NOT spoil the look of the crest. Otherwise they could not see. They are so happy to see again when I'm finished. It needs to be done about once a month. Hope this helps.

 

[Simonesmommy]

Quote:

I put mine at eye level, and take some small scissors and cut around the face sometimes. Most of the time, I take a small rubberband and give them a ponytail on top! When you put her down, look out!! She'll be flappin around because she will be able to see!

How small is the rubber bands? I am so afraid I am going to hurt her, I don't want to go near her face with scissors. Would you mind posting a picture of her with her hair up? Thanks in advance.

 

[Nay]

How small is the rubber bands? I am so afraid I am going to hurt her, I don't want to go near her face with scissors. Would you mind posting a picture of her with her hair up? Thanks in advance.

I've also heard you can also use very small plastic zip ties, they make micro sized ones for small electronics and remote controlled drones that are super super tiny.

 

[chickens really]

Well. I just hold my Silkies and trim away the feathers hanging in their eyes. It's pretty easy to do.

 

[Lilchiknmama87]

I'm wondering if maybe this is one of the reasons all my silkies are laying unfertilized eggs. I have hens from all different places( eggs were incubated by me though)and a roo and I keep incubating them and nothing.