Silkies chickens

[LaQueta Whitehead]

I have a question. My dog killed one of my females this morn. Can 1 rooster and 1 female be ok or do i need to find them a home.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'm not exactly sure what you are asking. Are you concerned about one rooster with one hen or are you worried about your dog?

If your dog killed once it is not to be trusted, you need to keep then separated.

Some people keep one hen with one rooster and do fine. Others have serious problems. In my opinion that's a trial and error type of thing. It might work out, it might not.

Welcome to the forum, glad you joined.

 

[RodNTN]

Great info and tips from @Ridgerunner If your dog is not separated immediately, he will kill more of your chickens.

And your pair of Silkies should do fine together, if not, just tell us.

 

[LaQueta Whitehead]

Yes one hen one rooster. They have grown up together. Yes i know about my dog. This would be the second time. They are seperated because of it. I didnt know she was out in yard when i let him out. Thanks

 

[RodNTN]

You are welcome I am very sorry this happened!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

Sorry for your loss.

Like said, it's trial and error... depends on the individuals. And age might make a difference. A real rooster might not over mate a single lady as much as a randy young cockerel will. If you see your hen balding, you might make other arrangements.

As far as do they have enough company with just the two... yes I think so.

But if your dog has you stressed out and is more close to you than the chickens, rehoming might be your best bet. Or make a permanent run for the Silkies that is more dog resistant (I rarely believe proof is accurate). Sometimes it takes layers of security like Fort Knox. Electric fencing is easy to set up, semi affordable, and very effective if installed at the right height for said predator plus not as scary to have going as I would have thought. Yes I tested it myself and even had it "get" me once! I use it to keep roosters in a stag pen. Let them or one of my dogs catch it (nose or comb), they get as far away as possible and RARELY ever think about approaching it again! You could even bait it to get your dogs attention. It's not completely predator "proof", but it is a great tool in my experience.

If you go plug in, might be cheaper than a solar power supply. They also make electric poultry netting that might work for you.

Silkies are VERY popular, so if you do rehome them might be able to get $30-50 for the pair, depending on age.