Will free range silkies get attacked by predators?

[Thataussielady]

I have decided on getting some silkie chicks but I have read that they have to have a run or they will get attacked. I have other bantam breeds such as D'uccles, Pekins and a Wyandotte rooster. Since I have other breeds (even though they are bantams) I was wondering if it would solve the problem of silkies apparently getting attack by predators. Where I live the only predators are birds or stray dogs/cats. I keep a close eye on my chicken and I've only had one incident with my 6 week old pekin rooster being taken by what I think was surprisingly an owl ( made a bad decision to not put them in the coop at the 5:00)
So I would like to hear what you think about this or any experiences you've had.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Silkies are very vulnerable to predators as they cannot fly and the crest impairs the vision somewhat. I keep them under netting when I have them. They need to be behind some fencing to protect from neighborhood dogs too IMO.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

The Silkies will likely keep your other breeds safe. Meaning, they'll be the ones to get eaten while the others run for cover...

 

[chickengeorgeto]

The Silkies will likely keep your other breeds safe. Meaning, they'll be the ones to get eaten while the others run for cover...

Remember to avoid being eaten a chicken doesn't have to run faster than the predator but only run faster than the slowest member of the flock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Therefor I heartedly agree with howfunkyisurchicken.

 

[Fancychooklady]

I free range mine and they are only more susceptible to predator attack if they can't see. I have lost several birds to a goshawk. Only one of them was a silkie. Not sure where in Aus you are but I have more of a problem with rats than birds of prey. In other states foxes are a problem.
Irresponsible dog owners are a breed of their own. Dogs don't care what breed your chickens are , they'll kill anything that moves. I had 2 x rotties pay my chooks a visit it was absolute carnage.
They didn't eat any , just ripped their heads off. 4 x silkies, 6 x silver laced Wyandotte and 3 mixed breeds. All you can do is do your best to protect them. Give them shelter, lock them up at night and I put a pony in with them . The larger beast seem to deter the hawk.
This is my resident hawk

 

[Thataussielady]

I free range mine and they are only more susceptible to predator attack if they can't see. I have lost several birds to a goshawk. Only one of them was a silkie. Not sure where in Aus you are but I have more of a problem with rats than birds of prey. In other states foxes are a problem.
Irresponsible dog owners are a breed of their own. Dogs don't care what breed your chickens are , they'll kill anything that moves. I had 2 x rotties pay my chooks a visit it was absolute carnage.
They didn't eat any , just ripped their heads off. 4 x silkies, 6 x silver laced Wyandotte and 3 mixed breeds. All you can do is do your best to protect them. Give them shelter, lock them up at night and I put a pony in with them . The larger beast seem to deter the hawk.
This is my resident hawk

I live in Queensland so when I got my chickens I was always careful because of foxes but surprisingly I haven't had an incident with them. I have read that you can't let their crest get too big so they can't see. Stray dogs really don't give us that much trouble but it's Mainly the hawks which come in the afternoon. I guess if want some silkies I'll either have to keep them in a run or keep a very close eye on them.
Thank you all for your help.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I should have also mentioned, my Silkies do get free range time, but its always supervised. They also have a "tractor", which is some fence panels zip tied together with a piece of plywood on top for cover. Occasionally I'll put some of them in it so they can nibble on some grass but still be safe from predators. I move it when the grass gets a little bare

 

[AshBits007]

I have 3 little silkies, one disappeared a couple days ago while out free ranging. fairly sure a hawk picked her up.

 

[lfletcher14]

I just purchased 5 silkies they are 4-5 weeks old my coop is not very large I was wanting to get some advice on how to keep the predators out I have wood around the coop itself so I can move it easier would you suggest I attach hardware wire to the outside?? Can I just l leave it on top of the ground? Thanks for your advice!!! I want to keep my lil ones safe!