Silkie thread!

[Lamaremybabies]

Silkies are short and anything that looms overhead, including us humans to pick them up, will cause them to be skittish naturally - a predator defense mechanism in chickens. We sit or crouch with treats to get the Silkies to come to us and then we use the "judge's hold" to pick them up. Slip one hand under their breast between their legs and with the other hand hold the wings down so the Silkie can't flap. Then we hold the Silkie close to our torso (no squeezing hard) to make it feel secure. The idea of this type of picking up is to avoid touching their egg reproductive sides. It takes a little practice before chicken and human get accustomed to this. We pick up all our breeds this way and it's been the best method for us. I have one Silkie that trembles when we pick her up she gets so excited because she knows (at least I think it is) she is getting a special treat afterwards.

Alright, thanks. I do that but then they both start kicking their feet and flapping their wings so I try to put one hand under and the other on the wings just because I'm scared they'll hurt themselves.

 

[abbevilleoz]

So she would probably be happier with another silkie? I loved her brother he was docile but I can't keep a roo where I live. I was looking at chicks, but should I look closer to her same age? She is 7 mo. My EE gets along with her, but she still is a bit aloof from the flock.

Hey Jeepers! I just noticed you live in Greenville. I'm not far from you. My folks still live in Greenville . I maybe able to help you. I'll send you a PM.

 

[Lamaremybabies]

Does anyone have any recommendations for toys and or grooming things? Also what do I need to take care of spurs on roos? Do silkies get spurs?

 

[Fancychooklady]

Does anyone have any recommendations for toys and or grooming things? Also what do I need to take care of spurs on roos? Do silkies get spurs?

I've never had to groom my chickens, unless you intend showing bathing is rarely necessary .
Silkies do have Spurs and it's a good idea to keep an eye on toenails . They are inclined to curl round and require clipping. This is easily done with human toe nail clippers.

 

[Lamaremybabies]

I've never had to groom my chickens, unless you intend showing bathing is rarely necessary .
Silkies do have Spurs and it's a good idea to keep an eye on toenails . They are inclined to curl round and require clipping. This is easily done with human toe nail clippers.

Even the spurs? And I would like to show my chickens but only one of my two silkies have any show quality seeing as how one of them only has 9 toes.. Also I only have two silkies my other four chickens are Gold sexlinks. Do you know if they'll use a chicken swing?

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

Even the spurs? And I would like to show my chickens but only one of my two silkies have any show quality seeing as how one of them only has 9 toes.. Also I only have two silkies my other four chickens are Gold sexlinks. Do you know if they'll use a chicken swing?

Why do you need to remove the spurs? My Silkie roos do have spurs, but they aren't sharp, more square.

 

[Lamaremybabies]

Why do you need to remove the spurs? My Silkie roos do have spurs, but they aren't sharp, more square.

I was told that if you don't trim a roosters spurs they will become quite long and can cause discomfort.

 

[Fancychooklady]

Even the spurs? And I would like to show my chickens but only one of my two silkies have any show quality seeing as how one of them only has 9 toes.. Also I only have two silkies my other four chickens are Gold sexlinks. Do you know if they'll use a chicken swing?

I only ' trim ' if it's required. Sometimes the nails can grow back round towards the adjacent toe and cause problems. My chickens aren't interested in toys. A half of a watermelon , pumpkin or lettuce will keep them entertained for hours.

 

[Fancychooklady]

I was told that if you don't trim a roosters spurs they will become quite long and can cause discomfort.

Some do, but that isn't something to worry about until they are much older.

 

[Lamaremybabies]

I only ' trim ' if it's required. Sometimes the nails can grow back round towards the adjacent toe and cause problems. My chickens aren't interested in toys. A half of a watermelon , pumpkin or lettuce will keep them entertained for hours.

Works for me. Thanks.

Quote:
Ok.