Silkies are right up there with polish in the "freak out" category. Basically, they just can't see all that well because of the crests on their head, so when something grabs them, they freak out.
But my polish eventually got over it with two things. First, I would always make a noise when I was about to pick them up (just a tongue click for me) so they associated the noise with a no-harm grab. They also got mealworm treats when this was done, so they associated the noise with being picked up and given yummy treats!
Second, when I didn't pick them up, I kept them by my feet - with more treats. I just tossed mealworms on the ground within a few inches of my feet where the girls would see both. They can look DOWN pretty easily, just not up, forward, or out very far. So they began to associate my feet with good things as well. Once the roosters began to try breeding everything in sight, the girls would still come running to the noise I made, and hang around my feet to avoid being grabbed by a rooster - which is just as bad as being grabbed by an unknown beast.
So I would assume that what you're dealing with, is the silkie not seeing what or who is picking her up when the ground suddenly falls out from below her feet. Imagine going camping outside of a state prison, and then suddenly someone (even someone you know) grabs you from behind when you can't see them. That's kinda what it's like for her - especially since predators are probably just a few feet away from them most of the time, and we just don't realize it. Since the crest can make them blind, start "warning" her with a certain sound instead. Try not to use the sound for anything else, and try to do it EVERY TIME you're about to pick her up - but before you actually touch her. And then make sure you have a few mealworms ready!
Chickens can be "trained" just like dogs, you just have to be ready to give them treats like you would with a dog.
ok, I never thought about the treats at my feet. My EE girls all LOVE me, they see me coming and run fast to get their treats. But this girl is not coming along, she will not even eat a meal worm at all yet. I need to try eggs or yogurt and see if it works. I have her with a d'Uccle the same age and she loves me too.
