Silkie thread!

[PaintedFeathers]

Lets say they are fertile and start to grow, and the shell is really thick, would I have to do anything for them to hatch or should they be able to hatch on their own?

 

[omaeve]

need to make some easter bonnets

 

[RockerHen]

okay need some help... any opinions? and is the last one an aircell?

It's SO HARD to see the yolk, all I have is a little flashlight and the yolk moves away when I turn it. The egg shell is pretty thick too and it's hard to see... it's been 4 whole days, 4 1/2 now(set them at 6pm on friday)

they look kind of empty to me

on day 4 I usually have definite veining and can see the tiny embryo. This is one of my silkies on day 4.



An infertile egg will be clear and have only the darker shadow of the yolk. I threw out a turkey egg today that was infertile, looked just like the pictures you posted. Turkey egg shells and membranes are extremely thick (you literally have to tear the membrane with your nails, you can't just smash it against something) but I could still see the embryos of the fertile eggs. If by chance these were fertile and they hatched, I don't believe you'd have to help if the shell was thick. My silkie eggs are very tough (I've dropped them and they simply bounce) but the chicks hatched fine.

 

[fluffyfeathers]

Two new chickies and more hatching!
It never gets old

 

[chickendales]

looking for a really nice Showgirls hen to start over with my showgirls lines but be nicer then

 

[jessicaroo]

You never have to switch them to layer. Your silkies nor your standard birds.

Just offer free choice oyster shell.

Silkies are so up and down with laying (ie: taking break to be broody) so layer is not recommended. They do not need it when they are not laying, so their kidneys have to filter out extra calcium that their body is not using. This can lead to kidney damage. Better to let them decide how much calcium they need by having oyster free choice. 

Some birds need more calcium than others. Even with layer some birds need more than what is provided. 

Ok, good to know... Just one problem, I have two silkies and 12 standard chickens (orps, ss, br, cw, pr), they have all been raised together. Eventually I was told to switch my standard birds to layer feed.... Would it be more appropriate to do mixed layer and starter for everyone? Or avoid layer completely with my silkies? I certainly don't want to harm them, but with one coop, I'm at a loss on how to feed them differently :-/

 

[PaintedFeathers]

Ok, good to know... Just one problem, I have two silkies and 12 standard chickens (orps, ss, br, cw, pr), they have all been raised together. Eventually I was told to switch my standard birds to layer feed.... Would it be more appropriate to do mixed layer and starter for everyone? Or avoid layer completely with my silkies? I certainly don't want to harm them, but with one coop, I'm at a loss on how to feed them differently :-/

Most feed stores have no clue about nutrition, so really shouldn't be giving advice. Just feed them something like this http://blueseal.com/product/?id=151 or this http://www.strombergschickens.com/product/3666/Chicken-Feed?s=GSHP&gclid=CLuRv4mnrrYCFUFo4Aodh1kA8g and just supply them with a dish of oyster shells.

 

[omaeve]

Those hen saddles (or aprons) are SO cute! I really need to get one for one of my silkie girls. She is the rooster's favorite and her feathers are thinning out on her back.

Quote: byc chicks begging for diy pattern for these cute outfits

 

[aoxa]

Ok, good to know... Just one problem, I have two silkies and 12 standard chickens (orps, ss, br, cw, pr), they have all been raised together. Eventually I was told to switch my standard birds to layer feed.... Would it be more appropriate to do mixed layer and starter for everyone? Or avoid layer completely with my silkies? I certainly don't want to harm them, but with one coop, I'm at a loss on how to feed them differently :-/

Most feed stores have no clue about nutrition, so really shouldn't be giving advice. Just feed them something like this http://blueseal.com/product/?id=151 or this http://www.strombergschickens.com/product/3666/Chicken-Feed?s=GSHP&gclid=CLuRv4mnrrYCFUFo4Aodh1kA8g and just supply them with a dish of oyster shells.

What Painted Feathers said.

Your 12 girls do not need the layer, so keep everyone on starter, a good protein grower, or a flock raiser.

I was told by a friend with a degree in animal science and nutrition that a good game bird layer is a very good thing to use for your breeding birds for the 3 months of breeding season. It has additional calcium, which helps with fertility and strong/healthy eggs for hatching. I am very cautious with additional calcium. I would only offer it during peak breeding season (March - May). The friend that told me this is Jamie Carson. He works with some of the best white silkies in Canada. When he talks about feed I know he knows what he is talking about.

NOTE: This wasn't directed at jessicaroo, it's just info for anyone who wants to take it for what it's worth. Jessicaroo, if you are not breeding your birds right now - I would just stick to a starter/grower type of food - like what I posted at the bottom.

http://www.wildlife.purinamills.com/products/ECMD2-0017384.aspx

Game Bird Layena​

​

A 20%-protein breeder diet formulated for fertility, egg production, and chick vigor. Feed from one month prior to start of egg production until birds is out of egg production.

• Balanced levels of amino acids, energy vitamins and minerals keeps breeders in top condition for egg production and hatchability.
• Calcium fortified for strong egg shells.
• Complete feed - no mixing required.

​

Game Bird Flight Conditioner​

A 19 %-protein ration to stimulate growth and feathering in birds 6 to 16 weeks of age.

• High protein, low energy- promotes muscle and feather development while preventing excess fat.
• Balanced levels of amino acids and salt-provide maximum protection against cannibalism.
• Complete feed– crumble or pellet feed form.

​

This last food would be a good choice for the off season. Depending on the protein % you want. This is what I would use from June - February.


Now I am a fan of local feed over big corporations like Purina, but my local feed mill does not offer feed similar to this. I'm thinking I may even get my own mix done once my barn is rebuilt. I like options.

 

[JacquiJ]

Cute! Silkies are so good with kids!!