silkie chickens

[drumstick diva]

I recently read, on another thread, that a silkie rooster was bullying all the larger breeds and they gave him a wide berth. He kept close watch on his silkie harem and ran roughshod over any young roos that even thought about taking his girls. I think he is
just avenging all the damage that other breeds have done to silkies. I just had to smile.

 

[drumstick diva]

Forgot to mention it isn't so much that silkies get bullies because they look so different.

Silkies have their vision obscured by big beards and crests. Their wing feathers are not useful for flying so they are 'sitting ducks,' for bullies and predators. If you don't intend to show them you can carefully cut back some feathers around crest and face - increasing their vision greatly.

They can hop on on a roost if it isn't really high but, generally prefer to pile up on the floor in a corner with their buddies at night.

As a breed silkies are generally very good with children and known to be good broody mamas. Many people have a few silkies just to have them hatch out fertile eggs of different breeds. So silkies do have true value. They also make good housepets.

Put "Silkie Thread," in the search box and learn more about this very interesting breed.

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you decided to join our flock. The good news where you Silkies are concerned is that Orpingtons and Ameraucanas (or Easter Eggers) are typically docile breeds themselves. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Good luck integrating your Silkies into the rest of your flock.