Now that I have a small group of nice silkies... I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to do next. I want to be able to show a few in October. I have young pullets and cockerels, from a couple months up to maybe close to a year. I'm having a hard time finding info on how to house the chickens I want to condition for showing. Do they have to stay in individual pens/cages? Can a few pullets be housed together? Can cockerels be in with the pullets when they are still pretty young? How much room do they need? I'm not asking for anybody's trade secrets (I hope). Should they be housed completely inside so they aren't subjected to the wind/rain/sun?
With the older pullets and cockerels, at what age do they get paired up? If she isn't laying yet, is it ok to keep pairs together?
I'm in the process of planning my runs. I have a lot of space but no outdoor structures. I utilize dog runs and dog houses as well as rabbit hutches etc.
Are show silkies kept on shavings? Cage wire?
My first batch of shipped eggs are going on lock down tonight. At last check, 27 out of 30 looked promising. Due to hatch on Thursday.
I really appreciate any information I can get.
Thank you,
Julie