Silkies 101 - 20 of the most common Silkie questions...

[CARS]

I have a question about keeping different breeds together. I was told NOT to keep a standard roo anywhere near a silkie hen because of the silkies vaulted skull. Makes sense to me after seeing my roo's grab ahold of the back of a hens head when mating. Is this just being over protective or the way it should be??

This is a great thread! I have 4 silkies that are pet-quality with no intentions of breeding more. They are just great conversation pieces and great entertainment for little kids because they are beyond gentile.

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

I would never keep a standard roo anywhere near my Silkie hens, simply because of the size difference and the extreme potential for injury, and not just on her head. But there are those I'm sure who will tell you different...

 

[Bluemoon420]

I've got my silkies with my standards. They've never had an issue. My standard roosters don't really bother her. She hangs with the male silkie at night, and he's the only one I've seen try to mate with her. They all get along fine.

Bluemoon

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

There ya go....

 

[Bluemoon420]

It was luck of the draw I think. If the had showed any signs of messing with the silkies, I would have pulled them out in their own area. They didn't, and haven't. They all free range together, and are a well knit group. Maybe that is why they get along, but I figure don't fix what ain't broke.

Bluemoon

 

[Ms~Silkie~Girl]

thats a good idea! thanks

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

Quote:
Free ranging seems to be a more peaceful setting for everyone involved, at least thats they way it sounds from those who have the room. Unfortunately we aren't all lucky enough to have that much room.

 

[silkiechick05]

Poulets De Cajun:

Here is a picture of my boy and the offending feathers. I told Sonoran down at the bottom that the feathers appear to be turning white at the ends and toward the feather's (stem?) and not growing out that way. My blue pullet has a few but not as bad, and the chances of them coming from the same parents is very slim, but I did get them from a reputable breeder.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=281197

 

[Bluemoon420]

The free ranging wasn't planned on our part. I was quite against it. After watching how our birds did this summer, and how smart they actually are in those circumstances, I let it be. I am specific about my bird colors because it actually does make a difference. Especially with the silkies. I have blue partridge color, and they blend in VERY well among our pines and such. There are risks involved, but the pros have out weighed the cons so far.

Bluemoon

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

Quote:
Well according to Suze, and the ABA standard, thats a DQ. However, its going to be dependant on the judge who is actually looking at the bird on the particular day of the show.