Silkie thread!

[Sonoran Silkies]

Ondra's Seramas :

Does anyone mind if I post a question? I hope not.
Here's my question: What do I look for in a day old silkie chick? I have no idea. They aren't my breed. I'm going to be helping my friend choose some from a feed store for a 4-H project, and I'd like to try to get her the best possible. Of course, I'm not expecting anything SQ, since it is a feed store, but I can try. Any tips?
Thanks!

Black skin, 5 toes per foot (not 4 or 6), feathered legs, walnut comb (hard to tell for sure on a tiny chick), vaulted skull: in that order.​

 

[mycitychickens]

If I posted pics of my one week old silkies would any of you be able to tell me if they are roosters or hens?

I pretty sure one of them is a rooster, he's much bigger than the other one.

Thanks,
Jade

 

[Teresaann24]

Quote:
Way to early to tell but post anyways we love pictures

 

[hokankai]

I need breeder recommendations! I'm getting a pair of silkies this spring and can't decide between these two.

Karen at Catdance
or Marjorie Best

Who would you recommend? These birds will not be shown or bred.

 

[jen5680]

Quote:
You can't go wrong with either of them

 

[hokankai]

Where is Marjorie Best located? That might be the difference there if I don't have to drive 40 minutes to Catdance...LOL!

Edit: WOW I butchered here name! haha, all fixed

 

[robin416]

Marjorie lives in Oregon City, Oregon.

 

[hokankai]

Thanks!

 

[roncrna]

Thanks Sonoran!

 

[jenesis536]

Hi everyone - I do not have any silkies and have no experience with them but have been considering getting 2. I found a breeder that has some white ones for sale in my area. When I was talking to her on the phone, she sounded like this little old lady backyard breeder that has been raising chickens the old way for years... she was really nice and I felt she was a very honest person albeit maybe not as knowledgable able things - not that I am and I could totally be wrong.

Anyhoo - the silkies she is selling are about 5 months and not laying yet. I asked her what kind of feed they are on and she said she just gives them all kinds of stuff, like veggie scraps, chicken scratch, brown rice, oats... I told her I have chickens that are are just moving to layer feed from transitional feed and some babies who are on chick starter, and she seemed a little confused.

So - with that said - if I pick up 2 from her, what do you recommend I put them on? Layer? Transitional feed? Any special diet worries? Should I bathe them when I bring them home? Worm them? I want to think this through and make sure I am taking care of everything I should if I choose to get them from her or if it's a huge red flag and I should just wait for another breeder option to open up.

Last - would you recommend getting 2? 3? 1? They will be housed together away from the other girls for now at least and maybe ongoing, but at some point free range together. What size coop for 2-3 and what size pen (if the free-range during the day and are closed up when we are not home).

Thank you!

Jen