Silkie thread!

[Sylvester017]

I love my mixed flock. I have RI reds, barred rocks, and wyandottes that were my first flock ever.They are 1 year old now and I love them! Once I did more research on different breeds and how they looked I couldnt help but want to add more. I have been reading up on how to introduce new chickens into an already existing flock. Which I will only learn as I go and the more knowledge before I get to that point the better!! I am so thankful for all of the advice that I am getting on BYC. My silkies I may make a separate area depending on how they do. Right now my 2 week olds are in a separate area then my day olds because the new babies are too small and timid while my 2 week old are very lively!! Thank you everyone. BYC is a great site! Especially for newbies like myself!

Many owners can successfully mix their breeds. But thru reading on BYC 50% or more Silkie owners have suggested keeping them separate from heavier LF and I personally wish I had heeded that advice. I thought I knew better and nearly lost a Silkie to a heavy Marans attack. 3 yrs later a Leghorn went bonkers. I was lucky to have the Leghorn stay nice for so long but eventually the crotchety old biddies can really get mean - it's a chicken thing. Since I don't have space to have separate pens/runs for different breeds, I had to research what LF breeds were smaller, gentler, and had a non-combative reputation before melding them with my Silkies. Silkies are tough little birds and can really jump high but can't fly away from danger -- so having a 7 or 8-lb LF attack a 2-lb Silkie isn't an equal flock match IMO so I just don't tempt fate by having heavy breeds. Everyone has to make their own choice and you're right -- BYC has a lot of opinions and food for thought to help us get through some tough times. Meanwhile, truly enjoy your breeds! They will be sweet as pullets and some develop different attitudes as adults.

 

[Fancychooklady]

Hi Fancychooklady - you have a much larger flock of Silkies and LF than many of us with smaller spaces.  So I respectfully bow to your experience with a larger flock and space --  I've seen your lovely coops and set-ups but unfortunately many of us don't have those lovely options. 

Yes, there will always be pecking orders to be established - it is a chicken thing.  I understand having roos keeps peace in a hen flock too but unfortunately that is not an option for some of our smaller zoned areas where roos are not allowed.

And yes, Silkies or bantams can be kept with certain LF but it was a long process for us to finally get down to a compatible group.  Our Silkies being the oldest has kept our smaller gentler LF in line where the Silkies could not handle the abuse of the very heavy dual purpose breeds we had in the past.  Everyone has different situations and requirements and I just share what happened to us in case it is info someone else can use to apply to their similar situations.

Love your input and we can all learn from your knowledge - Smiles

Your opinion is also valued here. As you say, newbies can benefit from and take little snippets of everyone's advice and apply it to their own circumstances.
Flock size, breed and area available are just a few things to consider when planning your flock.

 

[Sylvester017]

Your opinion is also valued here.

As you say, newbies can benefit from and take little snippets of everyone's advice and apply it to their own circumstances.
Flock size, breed and area available are just a few things to consider when planning your flock.

Too bad chicken math takes over before our planning is done which is the mistake I made as a newbie!

 

[Chapel Hill Chicks]

'
thank you for sharing your experience with me. I'm starting to regret my decision. I should purchased my silkies before my BO. I guess I will have to build a separate coop. my husband will be less than thrilled

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I've had Buff Orpingtons for nearly 7 years now, and they are the gentlest breed of the 8 breeds I've had over the years. I wouldn't be alarmed just yet. If there is a way to fence the Silkies off from the Orpingtons where they can still see each other every day while the Silkies are growing, you may be fine. When my chicks have been old enough to move to an outdoor coop, I've used this method for several weeks before the fence comes down and they can mingle. Even though the Orpingtons are large, they are incredibly docile and have always been at the bottom of the pecking order in my mixed flock.

 

[abbevilleoz]

"Chickaletta" and her little baby tucked under the wing! Silkies are amazing mommas!!!!

That's such a sweet picture!

 

[AnRamire]

I've had Buff Orpingtons for nearly 7 years now, and they are the gentlest breed of the 8 breeds I've had over the years. I wouldn't be alarmed just yet. If there is a way to fence the Silkies off from the Orpingtons where they can still see each other every day while the Silkies are growing, you may be fine. When my chicks have been old enough to move to an outdoor coop, I've used this method for several weeks before the fence comes down and they can mingle. Even though the Orpingtons are large, they are incredibly docile and have always been at the bottom of the pecking order in my mixed flock.

I am really hoping so...My silkies are only 2 weeks old, and the weather here has been in the 50s so I have not been able to let them out as of yet. But my plan was to place a large dog crate in the pen where they can see each other. I guess I will have to tweek these ideas as I observe them. My buffs will let us hold them. However I have one girl who likes to pick on my 9 lb yorkie. She's the one I'm most worried about.

 

[AnRamire]

Wondering if they will both be white or one a little more golden?

Lucky you. So cute... When I picked my silkies out I was hoping for a buff. They all are beginning to turn white.

 

[AnRamire]

These are my guys yesterday. I'm still crossing my fingers for a buff. But I'm thinking its not likely. Any thoughts ?

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

These are my guys yesterday. I'm still crossing my fingers for a buff. But I'm thinking its not likely. Any thoughts ?

What color are the wings on the little yellow one hiding behind the feeder? It could be buff, the rest all look white though.

 

[Alex1010]

Hey guys my Silkie's have been laying eggs like crazy and they don't have a nest in their coop and I'm adding 2 really big ones tomorrow and I was wondering since the weather is starting to get warmer do you guys think if I just don't take the eggs out and let them make a clutch will they brood them?? Thanks in advance.
Just got a better quality rooster and want to see how the chicks Turn out. It would be their first time going broody