Well...ok...here's my take on silkies. They make me want to put them on a graham cracker with a little piece of chocolate. There. I said it.
On this property.....they would be hawk bait and doggy chew toys. And I don't even have dogs!! Neighborhood Labs have attacked and killed several of my game birds. And game birds are fast, and flighty and strong!! And smart!! A silkie?.....wouldn't have a snowballs chance in ...hello......on this place. Sorry lil' silkies
I think they are adorable and would only want them for their brooding. I have heard they are really good moms. I would probably limit their free range for their own safety. Our pens are rather large and treats are frequent so they would not be unhappy.
Don't like silkies?? DON'T LIKE SILKIES?! How can you resist these cute widdle guys? Even the roosters are fluffy and cute!
And I let the entire flock raise chicks together, its the only breed I have where I can let hens brood in the pen without removing her or the chicks, as the whole flock (including roosters and 'aunts') will help raise and feed the chicks without behaving aggressively towards them; quite the opposite, as even the roosters will crouch to the ground to snuggle chilled peeps.
I have them raising 6 turkey poults that they recently hatched. They love them just the same as their own chicks! 4 hens in total took turns incubating them (one is a silkie/oegb cross) and now they all protect and mother them.
But really, I understand that a poofy ball of fluff that is basically defenseless, gets dirty easily, and occasionally has trouble seeing is not everyone's cup of tea. But they're wonderful pets and broodies to have, even if you only have one or two. I use mine mainly for that purpose. I don't keep only floofy birds though, I also have oriental games (almost the opposite end of the spectrum) and I love their nearly opposite qualities the same. Variety is the spice of life!
