Silkies

[poupoule]

Hi there,

I am thinking of getting one or two silkie hens. I already have 2 pekin battam hens (not pure breed) and a Aracauna cross (Silkie? He has that nice silkie feathery down on his head) rooster. I was wondering what people think about mixing those birds with some silkie hens. I want to get some silkies as pet for my young kids as well as for brooders. How many should I buy? I appreciate your input.

Poupoule

 

[Horse&Chicken Lover]

I would get only 1 if you only have 1 rooster... Silkies are adorable and known to be the lapdog of the chicken world. Good Luck:yiipchick

 

[Love my Critters!]

Get as many silkie hens as you want. They will do great. I have 3 americauna hens with my 25 silkies. Everyone gets along great.

 

[poupoule]

Thanks! But still confused

I found someone who can sell me a pair or a trio, but no hens alone. So My issues is that I only have a rooster (anacauna x silkie, I think) and only one coop, with no time or money to build/buy one at the moment.
How do silkie rooster behave? Will he still go on with the other one, or will they fight to death? Help, please.

 

[destiny_56085]

They are sold in pairs or trios because otherwise the breeders would be stuck with alot of extra roosters. It takes a long time before you are able to sex silkies (in comparison to other breeds at least). Only the exceptional ones should be sold for breeding purposes, BUT alot of people include the extra roosters in pairs or trios just to get rid of them.

Silkie roosters act just like any other rooster. They crow, defend their territory, and will try and fight. If they have crests impeding their vision and vaulted skulls, they will usually get the short end of the stick in a battle. Can't really see where they are going and a strong peck to the top of the head can kill them. I personally don't let my silkies mingle with any other breed of chickens, but I know some people on here get by with it.