Silkie Run Ideas

[rianrochelle]

Hi All! I’m looking for ideas on how to set up my run for silkies. Specifically roosting bars, dust baths… the aesthetic. Please post pictures of how you made it interesting and sweet for them TIA.

 

[nuthatched]

The aesthetic? Why do chickens need an aesthetic?
They're still chickens and need basically the things any chickens need, just lower, since they're not going to be flying anywhere. They're about as aerodynamic as a .
You're going to want low roost bars, about 6 inches high, peat moss or just plain dirt makes great dust baths. Cover to get out of weather since they don't have functional feathers.
I reccomended the new ornamental feed available from Nutrena, it has the extra vitamins and nutrition they need since they're prone to vitamin deficiency.
For coop litter, you can use whatever works best in your climate, I have plain dirt and leaves, some like sand or fresh mulch.
You may have to tie back or trim their head floor so they can see better, their floors leave them a little blind to aerial threats.

 

[Genene]

My silkies will not use regular perches. Their favorite thing to perch on, if they perch at all, is a slatted long bench & a slatted square table. I tried all kinds of perches etc & they would not use them. They also love their dust bath.

 

[rianrochelle]

The aesthetic? Why do chickens need an aesthetic?
They're still chickens and need basically the things any chickens need, just lower, since they're not going to be flying anywhere. They're about as aerodynamic as a .
You're going to want low roost bars, about 6 inches high, peat moss or just plain dirt makes great dust baths. Cover to get out of weather since they don't have functional feathers.
I reccomended the new ornamental feed available from Nutrena, it has the extra vitamins and nutrition they need since they're prone to vitamin deficiency.
For coop litter, you can use whatever works best in your climate, I have plain dirt and leaves, some like sand or fresh mulch.
You may have to tie back or trim their head floor so they can see better, their floors leave them a little blind to aerial threats.

Thanks! I will check out that feed! Does this take away the need for poultry cell in their water then?

 

[nuthatched]

Thanks! I will check out that feed! Does this take away the need for poultry cell in their water then?

Pretty much, water additives shouldn't be given long term