So... tell me about silkies...

[Goat_Walker]

I cant believe im saying this but...

Tell me about Silkies. Do they fly? I wasnt sure because of the feathers.

Im only even asking these crazy questions because my dad likes silkies and Ive heard they are THE BEST mothers. Kinda like a scovie as in I can put whatever eggs I want under her.

We are building new pens with GRASS lol so Ill have a small coop for her any everything. And im pretty sure I can feed them cracked corn and the same layer feed I feed my ducks.


My main delimma is the flying thing. The only predator problems ive ever had are snakes. the people across the street have chickens and im hoping If i get silkies that they wont travel over there.

 

[Jolynn191978]

They don't fly. At all. They do make fantastic mothers and are quieter than most hens. I have found mine to be less hardy though to cold weather and the larger hens pick on them more.

 

[Goat_Walker]

I dont plan on getting any other breed of chicken. They might share a pen every now and then with the ducks when I open all the gates but thats it.

What would I need to provide for winter? We hvae gotten a light snow the past two years. I could always place them in a cage in the barn with a heat lamp but I think that that would be a little cruel

Would a dog kennel or wooden box with a small opening just big enough for them to walk into work out if it has los of hay? Ive never had chickens before but If I get silkies Ill prolly get about three or four.

 

[MonkeyZero]

Well they dont fly to some extreme. With my silkie hens, if you are chasing them, they can get up to about 2-3 feet. So you can say, they jump, not fly.
ANd they wont roost. They bunch up and look like fluff balls.
But SUPER SWEET! I have a hen who is a bit mean, but the other one is kind

 

[Goat_Walker]

I dont mind the jumping, the fence is four feet tall. I mainly want them for hatching eggs and being broody.


Should I get a rooster or just hens?


Also - I let my ducks free range alot, So would I need to let the silkies free range or would they be ok in a 25' x 50' enclosure? I dont think Id have too much fun chasing fluff balls over five unfenced acres.

 

[whitecra]

Quote:
Being in Alabama I don't think you will have a problem with them. I am in Oklahoma and mine do fine here.
Chris

 

[Goat_Walker]

Thanks! What colors do they come in? I dont want two of the smaw color. I know I want a blue at least. Do they come in pied colors?

 

[Bluemoon420]

I've got one that TRIES to fly, but doesn't really get much air.

It ( we aren't sure if it's a he or she) runs real fast, flaps it's wings, and maybe gets about 10 inches off the ground. It's very funny to watch!

Bluemoon

 

[Goat_Walker]

Awww.... Ok im hooked, Im getting some come spring. Ill have to sneak them in and say they are duck eggs though lol, and when they hatch Ill have to sneakk them out.

or I can seduce my parents with their cuteness and convince them to look the other way.


Can I feed them whole corn or can they only swallow cracked corn? I can always crack the corn myself ( lol ) If need be.

 

[Vanessabuffsnsilkies]

You will love them. They are the funniest to watch when they do run.Sometimes they start with a hop straight up a few inches then the running thing. Mine have lots of feathers on their legs and feet. But they are so tame they don't run when I walk up to them. My silkies do happen to roost they were raised with other birds. I just picked up 4 new chicks today...