Colie <3 :
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Those numbers are for small bantams; Silkies are at the large end of the spectrum, and should have 7 sq ft per bird minimum of run space. Depending on climate where one lives, and the amount of time that the birds may end up confined to the coop should be the primary consideration on its size. For birds that do nothing but sleep in hte coop, and have access to additional space almost all the time, minimal coop space is needed, for areas with severe winters or rain conditions that keep the birds confined to the coop fairly often during the days, they need more space there.
I didn't even think of the weather aspect, good points
I live in Texas far far west in the desert so I kinda forget that other people have cruddy weather a lot more than we do. Right now it's been in the high 70's low 80's so lots of outside time.
I won't be so happy once the hot weather hits though it's miserable here!
I'm planning for 3-4 sq ft per silkie of coop space but I have decently large runs for them and a 85 sq ft movable run that I plan to alternate days for my color groups to enjoy. Oh and and an ok sized yard for them to free-range in (under supervision though because I'm scared of hawks!) The plan is to watch how they tolerate the space issue and then adjust flock size accordingly. Sound ok?
Any tips on keeping cool in the summer? My coop builder maximized the ventilation options on my coops but I'm sure there are other things I can do right?
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Just wanted to note that we have the bantam silkies ... max about 2 pounds each. Wish I knew inches size! So the plan I came up with (house 4x4x2 tall, raised 2 feet up so space underneath; run 4x8) should be plenty of room for 3 to 4 bantam silkies. Even in our winter (we have a major snowstorm happening right now) because snow doesn't linger on the ground, and when it rains, it soaks right in. We have mostly sand for soil.
The house being raised 2 feet will provide plenty of shade for our very hot summers. Should also help with our blizzardy winters, and there will be an extra 2 feet of overhang over the entrance of their house to provide more shade and shelter. Especially since we're planning open-air housing system.
About the weather: teens and 20s here and expecting another 12 inches or so to the 1 1/2 we got last night. then 50's and 60's the rest of the week. I'm from KY so yeah, I remember the weather but believe me, it's just as screwed up in Colorado! And yuh huh ... I'm ready for Spring!
Very informative here!
So ... anyone know how big (in inches/height) bantam silkies get? I know max weight is 32 oz for roos.
