Thinking of getting silkies…have questions…

[Krugerrand]

Did you get pictures? Post them here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/what-breed-or-gender-is-this.15/

While they're hard to identify, many people around here are good at it and sometimes they drop some early hints.

My first 4 chickens included a straight run silkie. Turned out to be a roo and I had to rehome him.

Mine would not go up to the roost bar at night. So I built him a tiny perch that was out of the way or the others and he'd sleep there.

One thing I remember reading about was that their fluffy feathers don't block water. So, if they get wet when it's cold, you must get them dried off. You'll want to be sure they have a place/option to avoid getting wet.

 

[Lainey-chick]

I just found out she is not NPIP, should I be concerned? The last thing I want to do is bring something home to my flock on my clothes or shoes, even though I will quarantine them away from the others.

 

[TillyPeeps]

Do you vaccinate your chickens for Marek? If not, there is a chance these birds will bring in Marek, which is really common in backyard chickens. Are you willing to accept the risk? I learned my lessons when bringing in pullets from other people.

 

[Lainey-chick]

Did you get pictures? Post them here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/what-breed-or-gender-is-this.15/

While they're hard to identify, many people around here are good at it and sometimes they drop some early hints.

I’ll try posting pics. Thanks!

 

[Lainey-chick]

Do you vaccinate your chickens for Marek? If not, there is a chance these birds will bring in Marek, which is really common in backyard chickens. Are you willing to accept the risk? I learned my lessons when bringing in pullets from other people.

All of my chickens came from TSC, so I’m not sure. And, no I don’t want to risk them.

 

[nuthatched]

Am I looking for goopy eyes or is there something else I should be paying attention to?

This is all super helpful!

Just anything that doesn't look right.

I just found out she is not NPIP, should I be concerned? The last thing I want to do is bring something home to my flock on my clothes or shoes, even though I will quarantine them away from the others.

most chickens owners aren't npip, that doesn't mean they're sick birds.
Is there any pictures of their coop where they're at now? If there's no pictures of the coop at all, I'd be a bit hesitant. That's a good clue on how well they're taken care of.

 

[Stellasmomma]

Oh, thanks for this info! How do I know if I’m getting cockerels? They are sold as straight run and are 9 weeks.

Straight run means they have not been sexed so you may get two males or two females or one of each! Its a gamble unless you are not going specifically for Pullets. Silkies as I am sure you have heard are very difficult to sex and generally you cant tell until the are 6 to 9mths and by then you are attached to them LOL at least in my experience

 

[Stellasmomma]

Just anything that doesn't look right.

most chickens owners aren't npip, that doesn't mean they're sick birds.
Is there any pictures of their coop where they're at now? If there's no pictures of the coop at all, I'd be a bit hesitant. That's a good clue on how well they're taken care of.

What is npip?

 

[Lainey-chick]

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate all of the quick responses and helpful information.

 

[Yardmom]

Backyard chicken owners are seldom NPIP. Responsible owners don't sell any birds if their flock is sick. Sure there is a risk of buying from a flock you are not familiar with. There is always risks around us. You just have to decide if you want to take this one.