silkies

[Chicken_Girl]

can someone describe silkies to me and explain them, since i really want them but i need to know more about them and are they any other breeds that look like silkies they are so sweet to look at but would they be family friendly and easy to hold you know all i really need is info about them

sorry if im not clear in this post any if im not then just say so

thankies

ps: could anyone tell me where i could some silkies

 

[peachick]

The first place you should go is to the silkie club web page http://www.americansilkiebantamclub.org/
they also have a yahoo group.

Silkies are very docile and quiet... a perfect little lap chicken. I just started with silkies this year and am addicted already.

Your first decision is probably weather you want show quality or pet quality. There is a huge difference in their appearance. If you want pet quality you can get them anywhere. If you want show quality the silkie website will help you find a breeder near you.

 

[Chicken_Girl]

thanks for the info both of you (still post if you have any personal experience or info) i also want to know the difference between show quality or pet quality can someone post pics of each type please

 

[robin416]

SILKIES!!! That's all I have if you don't count the one Cochin pullet I have.

They are like any other bird, if they are accustomed to being handled then they won't carry on when you pick them up. I have several that could care less if I pick them up, then there are the ones who scream like they're being killed when picked up.

I have a couple that follow me around getting under foot, then there is the others who could care less if I'm there unless I'm holding a bowl with something tasty in it.

I have one roo who is the sweetest, won't fight any of the other roos for any reason. But I have the red bobble head who fights anything. And I do mean anything, he attacks the wall several times a day. The other guys fall in between those two behaviors.

I have my first pet pair. Non bearded white birds who are the best. They're sweet, calm and tough. Part of their calmeness is the lack of all the fluff around their faces. They can see the world quite clearly so don't startle like a bearded will.

I'll try to do pics after I've got everyone up for the day. Right about now they're trying to tear the door down to get out.

 

[bantymum]

Im the silky queen!!!in my own mind!!!
The first and most important thing you should do if you want to buy silkies or any other breed is to set up a brooder and hand raise them from day olds, they will bond to you and you will be their mummy!!!then they will fight to get on your lap!
if you cant get them that young because you cant set up a brooder box, then get them as young as possible without the need for artificial heat.
When they are older and their head puff has grown big I like to give then a haircut so they can see.
there are a few threads about clipping their hairdos.
Thats my thought , good luck, i hope you find some.
They are beautiful little fluffy fellas.

 

[Chicken_Girl]

oh thank you guys the tips are really helpfull i still do need pics of the different types tho

 

[AtRendeAcres]

I got Ameraucana's (later found out they were EE

) for eggs!

Kids got Silkies & Bantam Cochins because both of these are calm, friendly, and easily handled!

I got rid of all my EE but 2 (they belong to the kids) because they were so skittish they ran from their own shadow!!!

but, I fell in love with the Silkies & Bantam Cochins (have more coming this week)!!

The EE were handled from day 1 (didn't work

)

Brahma's are also supposed to be kid friendly, calm, and easily handled (but their BIG) DD has 2 coming!


Here are our silkies, Hank the Hen and Vicki the Roo!!

Our bantam cochins, Rachel (the frizzled) and Thelma Lu (the silver partridge)!!

 

[Chicken_Girl]

oh cool they look great are they the show quality or the pet quality

 

[robin416]

Let's make this simple in describing show quality versus pet quality. Any bird that does not have disqualifying faults is show quality. DQ faults things such as; duck feet, four toes, single combs, pink skin, non typical Silkie feathers, etc. are pet quality birds.

If the bird does not have these DQ problems then the next step is the less faults, six toes, too light colored of a comb, etc. the higher quality show bird.

I have a lot of birds that would be considered show quality, some are very high quality. I have one that has duck feet so has a DQ fault although the rest of the bird is impeccable. If it wasn't for his feet he would be outstanding.

 

[Chicken_Girl]

thanks very much that was helpful