Silkie growth rate

[Zuk33p34]

I started off with 5 chickens. One died and the place I got them from replaced her. I went back and got another Silkie to befriend the bantam Cochin I already had. The Silkie was the same hatch date as my original 5.

All that is to say, I feel like the silkie isn't growing at all. It seems to be the same size it was at 2-3 weeks old.

Behavior wise it's great. Active, eats great. Gets a mix of high quality feed (available 24/7), veggies, fruit and mealworms/super worms.

From the moment we put her tiny butt in the brooder with the 2 Starlight Green Eggers, 1 Americauna, 1 Bantam Cochin, and 1 Sapphire Olive Egger, it was fearless. Bumped the bigger birds out of the way to get to the food, chirps softly, but not constantly, drinks, and holds its own when snagging worms. It will even snag worms out of the big birds mouths.

Here are some pictures of her. Her and the Cochin were the same size. All of a sudden the Cochin had a huge growth spurt and the Silkie seemed to stay the same size.

Does this look an appropriate size for a 5 week old Silkie?

I know it's only 5 weeks, but would you lean towards cockerel? Or pullet?

 

[Debbie292d]

Hi, he/she is cute! Too soon to guess sex as that can't be determined until they are around 3 months old, sometimes 4 months.

As for silkies, they are one of the slowest to develop, if not the slowest. They will be surpassed by all of your others, and that's why it's always recommended to get minimally three silkies if you've got other breeds, preferably five or six.

Otherwise, this one is always going to be the smallest and could be picked on later in life by the other larger chickens. There's strength in numbers.

Also, just so you're aware, silkies are prone to vitamin deficiencies, so when you mentioned all the treats you're giving them, that takes away from the nutrients they're getting from their feed.

You might want to pick up some Poultry Cell (vitamins for water) or something like that, and put that in their water a couple of times a week. That ensures your silkie should be getting the vitamins/nutrients it needs, and would be a boost for your others.

 

[Zuk33p34]

Hi, he/she is cute! Too soon to guess sex as that can't be determined until they are around 3 months old, sometimes 4 months.

As for silkies, they are one of the slowest to develop, if not the slowest. They will be surpassed by all of your others, and that's why it's always recommended to get minimally three silkies if you've got other breeds, preferably five or six.

Otherwise, this one is always going to be the smallest and could be picked on later in life by the other larger chickens. There's strength in numbers.

Also, just so you're aware, silkies are prone to vitamin deficiencies, so when you mentioned all the treats you're giving them, that takes away from the nutrients they're getting from their feed.

You might want to pick up some Poultry Cell (vitamins for water) or something like that, and put that in their water a couple of times a week. That ensures your silkie should be getting the vitamins/nutrients it needs, and would be a boost for your others.

They don't get a ton of treats. I'd say 90-95% of their food is the feed. I will look into the vitamins though.

As for the being bullied or picked on, it's very hard to imagine. Her and the bantam cochin definitely take care of themselves.

 

[Debbie292d]

They don't get a ton of treats. I'd say 90-95% of their food is the feed. I will look into the vitamins though.

As for the being bullied or picked on, it's very hard to imagine. Her and the bantam cochin definitely take care of themselves.

Aha, that's a very good percentage!

Yes, vitamins help keep them all healthy. Like I mentioned, just a couple times a week in their water is sufficient. We use Rooster Booster granules and mix that into their crumbles at half dosage, but these are all silkies here so I do it to avoid anything I possibly can. So far, 9 years and all good!

Good luck to you! I wish you the best with your chicks. They are so fun!