SILKIES Anyone?????

[ThePolishPrincess]

(Silkie lovers...don't eat me!) My experience with my one roo has been miserable. I raised him with love and treats and when the hormones reared their ugly head-WHAM! He is a constant attacker and has a real 'tude problem. He has also taken to growling at me alot...every time I want a Silkie I have the horrible mental reminder of having to kick him around like a hacky-sac and having the re-occuring battles for dominance. My hen, though, is a love. I'd just be careful when you think of ordering. Silkie roos have the potential to be the Pretty Boys of the chicken world. Total eye-candy, lousy dispositions! (Once again Silkie lovers, no flames!)

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Don't think silkie boys are all like that--there's a bad one in every breed. Roosters tend to view humans in one of three ways:

- a threat to the flock (think predator)--reaction is to defend the flock, and what defense is better than a good offense?

- a rival for the affections of their hens--reaction is similar to the above, as long as you leave the hens alone you'll likely be tolerated unless you get too much into his space.

- a loving source of food, treats and general care; the ALPHA of the flock--reaction is friendly and docile.

You need to change the way an aggressive roo views you to change his behavior.

 

[Teresaann24]

My silkies have great temperments. Easy to handle and carry around. Great brooders and mamma's. Even my roos are so laid back and have great temperments for a roo. I only have 1 roo who is kinda nippy and his name is Nippy. Nippy was rescued when he was about 12 weeks from being dog bait. I guess this is why he is a bit nippy. Silkies are great once you go silkie you will never go back..LOL..I have 8 roo's so silkie roo's are not as bad. I wouldnt have 8 roo's if they had bad temperments. I also do have 1 hen who is a little fisty. She is my best brooder and momma hen is her name for a reason. She is very protective of her roo and babies and nest.

 

[Up-the-Creek]

Thanks everyone for the input! I guess my DH will have to build yet another chicken pen . I must have some! Can't wait!

 

[lichick28]

Of all the different types of birds I've had the silkie is the most beautiful, calm, funny bird. I have one that runs after me when she sees me with a shovel-for the worms, another stays by my feet & just chats away with me. My grey girl replies when I call her name & they are great for hatching eggs

 

[tinners204]

You could always get some Showgirls, that way you could kiss the naked neck. Oh the hugging is the best part. they are the best

 

[crzychicken]

My silkie roo is the funnyest little chicken he just takes care of his 3 silkie girls 2 barred rock bantams 1 brahama hen, the big girls don't give him the time of day not that he don't try but they just throw him around like a rag doll he will try and chase them they just peck at him and send him running. they are the sweetest little thing and you will never need a incabator they make great moms

 

[Chickie Mamma]

Silkies are a GREAT conversation piece too. When relatives visit from the city, its hysterical. They will walk up to the coop and just wonder what they are. I love when people say, I've never seen a chicken like that before. My mom just laughs at them when she visits.

 

[magsrags]

Well I cannot imagine not having my silkies. they make me smile every day and are such goof balls. Their sounds are pleasing to listen to and they talk under their breath all the day long.When I sit down outside, 1 of mine jumps onto my lap and just settles in for a good scratch. They are wonderful birds.

 

[kees]

So far, and this is from someone with limited experience, Silkies are my favorite. They are extremely cute, cuddly and affectionate. Some birds like to be handled more than others, but not one of them was mean, even to a very young child. There was one roo who would try to show my daughter who was boss. I would have her stand near me. When the rooster rushed at her, I'd pick him up by his legs and flip him upside down until he stopped flapping. It didn't hurt him. After a couple of times, the roo realized that wasn't a good idea to rush my daughter anymore. So, he just ignored her. The hens were very broody. They would refuse to come in at night because they thought that they were sitting on eggs. When I'd check, the silly little buggers were often hatching rocks!

Suzy