Silkies...

[SloCrevs]

I personally will never own a silkie again, unless it's a temporary fix-a-chicken gig(yes, I get those a lot). I find they are a pain in the butt, but I guess if you're not using them for anyting in particular, they're ok. They just have problems getting poo stuck around their vents, broken shank feathers, poo + straw getting stuck on shank feathers, etc. I raise show birds, and they just did not fit the bill. So good luck. I know some people love 'em and swear by them, I have never had a good experience with silkies, and I find they are just a nuisance.

 

[Hope0491]

Silkies are the best chickens in the world, IMO. I have owned them for about 3 years and out of the 16 different breeds of chickens I've owned.. they are and always will be my favorite. I do show them and I have never had a problem with keeping them poop free... lol... I keep mine on sand and wood chips.. I find that those 2 bedding work the best for them and keep them nice. They do occasionally get their crests dunked in the water which is sometimes annoying.... lol.... but, I love them anyways! Depending on what kind of waterer you use also plays a factor in that. They keep themselves insanely clean for having so much "poof" IMO. They have wonderful personalities and they are so sweet and loving! I hope you decide to get some.. just be careful, you'll get hooked FAST!

~Lacey

 

[SloCrevs]

As I said, They work for some, but I know they did NOT work for me. If you enjoy them and they work for you, awesome. I know plenty of people who breed, raise, and adore them. Just some imput.

 

[Dinos_rock]

This might be a silly question, but - do silkie roos crow?

 

[SloCrevs]

Yes, silkie roosters crow, there is not a breed in the US that does not crow...that I know of. If I'm wrong, someone please correct me. Birds such as seramas have 1/3 the crow of some birds, but they still crow.

 

[herechickchick]

Yes all roosters crow, or should I say all roosters have the ability to crow. Silkies are the true "pet" chicken. My silkie hen is a love bug! She is just like a little dog. She loves the company of people and like to be watched as she struts around the yard. I am about to get hatching eggs from a fellow BYC member because I have enjoyed her so much.

this is Tallulah

 

[featherfooted]

I love my Silkies. I have 2 with 27 Silkie eggs in the incubator. They are the sweetest chickens. Mine come when I call and love to be held and petted. They will follow me like little puppy dogs. Snowflake did have crooked neck as a chick, but recovered. Fruitloop has had no problems. If you want chickens to hold and pet on, Silkies are the ones you want.

Snowflake and Fruitloop

 

[TerrasCritters]

DONT DO IT!!
They are the WORST chicken ever!!

They are soooo addictive!!

I love my silkies to peices and wouldn't trade them for the world!

 

[lurky]

When ordering my first chickens, i put 3 silkies on the order. Someone convinced me that they were a bad choice and i took them off the order. Boy was that dumb. All the big hearted BYCers showed me what i was missing and i now have 8 silkies. They are the softest and sweetest little darlings ever. They are no different than any others. If anything, they might be easier because they cannot fly too well making it easier to keep them where you want them. Trust me.....If you have a heart in your chest.......you will LOVE silkies!!!!!!

 

[chickengirlnm]

When I first got my chickens and found this site I saw all the pics of silkies and thought - what a strange bird no way would I get one, but after reading this thread I think I might give them a try. I am placing an order for a mix banties package and hope there is a silkie in the group.
Boy this site is awful - I just keep finding breeds I want !! LOL

Julie