Silkie thread!

[Mama Hen Chris]

Hello!

I am really anxious to start my first flock of silkies in the next few months. I am on a wait list for chicks. There are so many posts on this thread, that it is overwhelming!

I do not want to ask questions that have already been answered, but I am not sure how to really find the answers to my questions.

1. I know the coop should be pretty low to the ground to avoid ramps. Also, roosting bars should be low. Any other coop suggestions?

2. How much space should I allow for a run? I plan to start with 6-8 chicks, but I know chicken math applies! Lol!

3. Any other newbie info?

I did create a thread over on the coop board but did not really get many responses.

Thanks in advance for your time and advice!

So excited!!!

Just wrote on your thread about that. I added some pictures.

 

[phuongdk]

ohh, she's black

 

[CALI CHICK]

Thank you so much for the update. What a relief that the "Man" is doing good! Macho is just so handsome.

What a gorgeous field (backyard ?) you have! All that open space makes me nervous, though -like a hawk is going to swoop down on those pretty silkies. I KNOW they can't free range all day out in the open.

Congrats on the eggs and Happy Hatching!

Macho is doing just fine

I've been watching him closely these past few days, and he seems to show no sign that he was even injured. He's back to crowing, chasing hens, and poking his little manly chest out.

The silkies have been wandering out into the pasture overlooking the pond lately. They make me extremely nervous, being out in the open with all of the hawks around, so I usually sit outside and babysit when they're freeranging. It's so nice to see them scratching around, and being chickens

And...I put some eggs in the incubator! Maybe Macho is going to be a father!!

 

[SandBsmom]

I have tried to look all thru this Silkie Thread... and ummm there sure is alot to read... I thought I would throw this just out. I am going to buy Silkies this spring... looking now for a coop... so my questions are any suggestions? Do Silkies roost ? do they like to sit on straw? Do they go into a nesting box which would be level for them since they are small ? I was thinking about buying the little Briar's Trailer Coop by GreenChickenCoop company ... anyone have this as a bad idea?. I was planning on having 3 silkies ...so the small coop was going to be good for me. I live in New England. ANY and I mean ANY suggestions would be greatly appreaciated.

I have two silkies and they both roost and the hen uses the nesting box. Most of the time she uses the nesting box to be broody in but she does put her eggs in there too. I have a tray under my roost which is about a foot above the tray with a ramp going up to it. The silkies flap and scramble their way up but they do it every night. Granted I have lots of other breeds of "normal" chickens to show them the way. Not that silkies aren't normal, their just...special. I love my silkies and can't wait to get another.

Best of luck with yours!!!!

 

[Suzierd]

Macho is doing just fine

I've been watching him closely these past few days, and he seems to show no sign that he was even injured. He's back to crowing, chasing hens, and poking his little manly chest out.

The silkies have been wandering out into the pasture overlooking the pond lately. They make me extremely nervous, being out in the open with all of the hawks around, so I usually sit outside and babysit when they're freeranging. It's so nice to see them scratching around, and being chickens

And...I put some eggs in the incubator! Maybe Macho is going to be a father!!

So glad he's doing well. I would love to have some Macho eggs

 

[LaPetiteFarmer]

If you buy cream, look for vaginal antifungal with Miconazole. I bought the Rite Aid version which was cheaper than the name brand. I understand that sometimes Favus will create a honeycomb look to the skin. You could check your pullet to see if this is developing. Rather than treat the others, you might consider quarantining her for a little while, just until you get this resolved.


Since chicks are so tiny, so be cautious with the amount you use.

I apologize that I have been offline and did not respond to the last question about the eye drops...and now I cant locate who posted the question. The eye drops we have at home are probably similar to what you have for the horses...Polymyxin B Sulfate and Trimethoprim Opthalmic solution. Using the eye drops resolved the sneezing, mucousy nostrils and crusted eye problem.

Thanks Tina, I bought the one for the feet but I don't see too much improvement. I will buy the vaginal one lol.

 

[Clover Run]

Just hatched this morning!!! Little Splash! If this does not give you hatching fever - nothing will!

Come on SPRING!!!

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

Just hatched this morning!!! Little Splash! If this does not give you hatching fever - nothing will! Come on SPRING!!!

Squeeeee, what a cutie! That first pic is priceless, it looks like its little 'do is combed over My first eggs from my Silkies are going into lockdown this weekend, after seeing your cutie patootie its gonna be a long wait!!!! Nikki

 

[TAMMACLEAN]

Just hatched this morning!!! Little Splash! If this does not give you hatching fever - nothing will!

Come on SPRING!!!

OMG how adorable!!! I have 2 dozen in lock down right now! Hatch day is suppose to be Friday or Saturday, now I can't wait!!!!

 

[Mumsy]

Just hatched this morning!!! Little Splash! If this does not give you hatching fever - nothing will!

Come on SPRING!!!

Adorbs!

I have an appointment to pick up eggs and breeders from Catdance Silkies next month. I am beside myself with anticipation for the hatching and raising such cutie pie chicks again after nearly a twenty year absence.