Silkie thread!

[ChicksNherps]

wonder if they would like baked potatoes we used to keep them in our coat pockets when i worked outside in winter .

possibly, they are a bit finicky though. I just went out and it's at least 10 degrees warmer in the coop so I think they're fine.

 

[omaeve]

warm and balmy 20 here in Virginia

 

[ChicksNherps]

warm and balmy 20 here in Virginia

I would love 20 right now

 

[omaeve]

14 this morning but it is snowing now must be a blanket of snow haha

 

[omaeve]

i'm getting my first silkies on the 1st. I ordered 2 blue ones. Anything special i should know?

buy a coop big enough for 100 silkies..lol

 

[aoxa]

I would, but I can't

I live in an apartment, and Toulouse is so loud it echoes through the place when he is inside. It was -1 last night and they made it, so I think they will be okay, I just feel bad. I don't worry about Nori because her feathering is SO thick I can't even get my fingers through it to feel her skin, but toulouse has to snuggle up to her. I did put some insulation so it's probably a few degrees higher in there than the outside temp, and it's a small space so it stays warmer from their body heat.

Ice is spoiled, she lives inside. I couldn't bring myself to put her outside

she is a house chicken now.

My polish rooster survived just fine at -41.8 last night. He's such a champ. He doesn't have anyone to cuddle with either, because he's so picked on that he lives with our dog. I have 2 girls ready for him come breeding season though.


Here he is with the turkeys.. before one of them tried to eat all his hair. Poor guy. '

He never complains though. Never seems bothered at all.

 

[aoxa]

buy a coop big enough for 100 silkies..lol

Imagine the beauty of 100 little fluffy silkies.

 

[dwegg]

treat them to a warm bowl of oatmeal in the morning and they'll forgive you. or, if its just the 2 of them bring them in the house. Toss some diapers on them or let the rest in a big cardboard box

I always give them warm oatmeal when it is super cold outside...it is easy to prepare and cheap and ggod for them...put some raisins, mealworms or something in it....and if it was me I would bring them inside...put them in the bathroom?

Oh, I forgot you are in an apartment. Here's another thought....tomorrow if you can purchase some bales of straw (or hay) and place them around your coop on the outside walls, it will act as a windbreak and insulator. You can keep them there till spring and then toss in your compost heap.

yes...lots of straw so they can either nestle in or use to put around the coop as wind breaks...

Imagine the beauty of 100 little fluffy silkies.

that would be a lot of work...checking all those fluffy butts

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

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!!!

SIlkies can and will learn to use ramps or steps. You may need to teach them, though. I like coops that I can stand up in; makes cleaning MUCH easier. Exactly what works for you depends more on your location (climate) and things unique to your situation than on hte breed of chickens.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote: Nebulizers are expensive and require a prescription; humidifiers are available at Target, Walmart, drug stores, etc., and are fairly inexpensive. Yes, nebulizers do a better job, but if you don't already have one, a humidifier i the best easy solution.