Silkie thread!

[chickenlady099]

Hi everyone I posted some of my silkie pics before when they were chicks but now I have some questions. I have a splash silkie who is 5 months old and is the size of a old English when All her sisters are the normal size as a chicks he was the same size as them so why is she so small and can I still show her

 

[chickee]

My Catdance Silkies are 5 months old now. I've been posting pictures since they first hatched. It was such a beautiful day before the storm that I took them out for pictures.

 

[omas biddies]

Boy just in time. I was going to put a dozen marans in with them. Thank you very much. Oma

 

[Fancychooklady]

never had Silkies before, do they need anything that standard chickens don't. is scratch and layer, ok for them?

Silkies have pretty much the same requirements as other birds . Mine don't like pellets so if I want to up their protein I buy micro pellets to add to the mixed grain.
They don't fly so you need to provide lower perches and a ramp for them. Being caught out in the drenching rain can be lethal for a Silkie so plenty of shelter is a must. Love them and they will love you back.

 

[Fancychooklady]

Hello. They are so beautiful
My eggs should arrive next week
Please share any tips on hatching them I never had them before
I can't find any tips else were.
I did get one tip they think silkies need extra moisture ?
Thank you for a any help
I sure hope mine will look as great as yours

Silkie eggs are really no different to hatch , however they are prone to hatching early. I have had them hatch anywhere from day 18 and onwards.
At the top of the page there is a learning centre, go in there and you will find a very informative article on hatching eggs. I found it very helpful with my first hatch.

 

[Suzierd]

Silkie eggs are really no different to hatch , however they are prone to hatching early. I have had them hatch anywhere from day 18 and onwards.
At the top of the page there is a learning centre, go in there and you will find a very informative article on hatching eggs. I found it very helpful with my first hatch.

I have one working on hatching now just over a week LATE! I didn't even think is was a live egg anymore. Just goes to show don't give up!

 

[Fancychooklady]

I have one working on hatching now just over a week LATE! I didn't even think is was a live egg anymore. Just goes to show don't give up!

Yes, 21 days is the average but but I've had them hatch anywhere from day 18 - 26. So don't give up, where there is life there is hope.

 

[chick rookie]

Silkies have pretty much the same requirements as other birds . Mine don't like pellets so if I want to up their protein I buy micro pellets to add to the mixed grain.
They don't fly so you need to provide lower perches and a ramp for them. Being caught out in the drenching rain can be lethal for a Silkie so plenty of shelter is a must. Love them and they will love you back.

ok cool so no rain, I assume that means no snow either? and hope it's ok to give meal worms cause I already do, they love them. what kind of special needs do they have for winter time as far as a coop? Do I need some kind of heat or anything?

 

[flocknfoal]

Hello. They are so beautiful
My eggs should arrive next week
Please share any tips on hatching them I never had them before
I can't find any tips else were.
I did get one tip they think silkies need extra moisture ?
Thank you for a any help
I sure hope mine will look as great as yours

So far (8 hatches or so) I've found that silkies don't like extremes in either direction. My best hatch rate seems to be keeping the humidity at about 40% (+/-5%) during the first 18-19 days then about 55% (+/- 5%) during hatch. But that could somewhat depend on how humid the area is where you live I think. Good Luck!!

 

[Fancychooklady]

ok cool so no rain, I assume that means no snow either? and hope it's ok to give meal worms cause I already do, they love them. what kind of special needs do they have for winter time as far as a coop? Do I need some kind of heat or anything?

A coop free of draught is essential . Our winters are no where near as severe as yours. -4.c would be the coldest we've had here. They do tend to huddle together for warmth. My youngsters position themselves on the perch under the roo. Meal worms are ok and mine love scrambled eggs ( when I have excess )
Once a week all of my chooks get boiled pasta drained then stir in a couple of eggs with 2-3 tins of generic sardines in olive oil.