Silky Question

[Ang]

You all have me wanting some silkies now! I am wondering how hardy they are? Will they tolerate cold winter temps outside? Would I need to baby them more than my heavy breeds? TIA!

 

[slyfoxpeeps]

They are the toughest breed I have. I had to make them go in when it started to get cold. They also follow me around like little puppies. I trip over them....

 

[Frozen Feathers]

Silkies do great in the cold. They just don't do so great in wet weather, because the rain soaks them through. I don't baby mine anymore then I do the bigger breeds, just got to watch their feet because their toenails tend to grow long (especially on that 5th toe) and their feathered feet can get a bit mucky.

 

[Flufnstuffs~FluffySilkies]

Hi Angie,
Silkies are my weakness. There is no easy answer to that question.
My silkies are extremly meek, mild and calm. I think some pet quality silkies are more active and out going.

I don't let my silkies out in bad weather. Snow, wind, rain.
How ever we do live in NY "COLD" and they do well with no extra heat. If it gets down into the single didgets I will pug in a heat lamp with a 250 watt red bulb.

http://www.picturetrail.com/flufnstuffs

 

[crazyfowllady]

I have quite a few different bantam breeds and silkies are my favorite. I live in Virginia so it's not as cold as Illinois, but we get a lot of ice and mud. The silkies get sopping wet sometimes, but always seem to do fine for me. The only time they stay in is in the wind. It seems to bother them some. Mine can actually see, unlike some show birds, and are the friendliest birds I have. The roos take food from my hands and feed thier hens. I would try some if I were you!

 

[birdlover]

Silkies are soooo awesome in regard to personality and looks. The only thing that bums me out about silkies is they are always broody!!!!

Ellen

 

[Ang]

Okay, I think I will try a few silkies and see what happens. I don't mind broody. I love babies and have plenty of eggs from my other hens.

 

[silkiechicken]

I wish mine would go broody!!! She just keeps on laying eggs!!!

 

[PurpleChicken]