I ordered 12+ silkie eggs from
eBay last year and had none hatch, so I don't think I would buy eggs from there again.
I ordered 3 dozen hatching eggs from BYC members this year and I bet I will have a good percentage hatch. I did do a lot of research though before I made my purchase this year.
I made use of the feedback section and made sure I bought from reputable people. This year I took advantage of CJExotic's weekend silkie egg sale for 2 dozen and was able to get a spot on her list. I also ordered another dozen LF eggs from another BYC member.
Shipped eggs are always a gamble as we all know the PO isn't always very good to our boxes no matter how carefully they are packed and marked. Hang in there and keep trying, it will pay off sometime. It can be very heartbreaking but also very rewarding.
Silkie eggs are no different from any other eggs in regards to hatching. I had one hatch out from a broody 3 weeks ago just fine and I have about 10 in the bator now with all the others sitting in the egg turner rack the same way as the others.
I don't find them very hard to raise, I don't treat them (babies or adults) any different from my other birds. They are very hardy, able to take cold and hot temps, some of my silkies are high up in the pecking order. My mixed flock contains EE's, BO's, Polish Crested, Silkies, and MF D'uccles.
This is just my own opinion based on my experience with having silkies and other chickens. Keep positive, keep trying, some time along the way it will all work out and your joy will be endless.