If you are a true bird lover and you also like to have some laying hens in your garden, Silkie chickens might be the perfect chickens for you. These peculiar birds with their soft, silky feathers and friendly characteristics are the darlings of the backyard chicken keeping and breeding community. But a word of caution to you, do not bring these cute creatures home without having a perfect requirement and specific needs. This definitive guide covers all of the essentials you need to know to keep your Silkies healthy and happy, from their special qualities to raising them, their care and common Silkie chicken health problems.
Understanding Silkie Chickens
Silkie Chickens are a type of Bantam Chicken with a distinct puff of feathers and a good personality. The Silkie originates from parts of Asia and is popular because of their fluffy, silky soft feathers and sweet personalities. Those weights are nothing extreme, hens should weigh around 2.5 pounds and cocks around 3.5 pounds. Silkies are broody hens, which means that not only do they lay a fair number of eggs for their size, but also make great moms.
The Best Silkies to Purchase
If you decide on Silkie chickens, it is important to choose those that show signs of good health and are fairly cared for by breeding chickens with reputable breeders. You want to see birds with:
- Clear bright eyes
- Clean and glossy feathers
- Firm and strong legs
Never bring home a bird that shows signs of ill health, such as difficulty breathing, runny eyes, or lack of luster in the quality of its feathers.
Housing and Environment
Silkies need a cushioned, draft-free, and properly ventilated living area to be happy. Here we will see a number of important housing and environmental points:
Coop Size: Silkies require a large coop to provide ample space to move easily. At least with 2 square feet per bird.
Bedding: Place plenty of dry absorbent bedding inside the coop, like straw or wood shavings, to help the chickens keep warm and for the added benefit of insulating the house.
Lighting: Proper lighting in the coop is a must, especially in the winter when there is very little natural light.
Predator Protection: If your Silkie chickens are to be free-range, the coop needs to be secure and predator-proof to keep your chickens safe from raccoons, foxes, and hawks.
Feeding and Nutrition
Silkies are omnivores, so they need a well-rounded diet that closely mimics what they would naturally forage for in the wild:
Feed: Accept-responsive, top quality readily available business chick feed particularly created for Silkies
Amount fed: 2–3 ounces of food/bird/day based on age and activity
Never forget Fresh Water: Provide fresh clean water at all times.
Grit and Oyster Shells: You need to give grit and oyster shells for digestion and also easy intake of calcium.
Health and Hygiene
Silkies are very easily attacked by certain health issues, respiratory problems, and parasites being the two most commonly seen. Tips for health and hygiene:
Sanitation: A scaffold that is loosely sealed may allow draughts to pass through – as every poultry keeper is aware, ammonia and bacteria spread like wildfire in such an environment. So the reddish poop would be fired up by balmy temperatures, causing it to be passed on to the remainder of the living room in no time!
Dust: Dust your Silkies weekly with a dog flea powder to help ward off fleas
Vaccinations: Talk to your veterinarian about vaccinations for diseases such as Marek’s disease for your Silkies.
Breeding and Hatching
Silkie hens are famous for brooding, and they make extensive and excellent moms. Top Breeding/Hatching Tips:
Good broodies: Silkies are great broody birds that can be relied on to incubate eggs from other breeds.
Incubation: 37.5°C (99.5°F), 50-60% humidity
Handle During Hatching: Test the eggs frequently as they hatch and give the chicks water and fresh air.
Common Health Issues
Silkies are prone to certain health complications you need to learn how to manage, including:
Silkie Chick Vaulted Skulls: Keep an eye on your Silkies for a vaulted skull, which you will see as a small bubble on the top of the head.
Spraddle Legs: Treat young chickens with a hobble. Hobble one leg — soon, the baby chick will have learned to use both its legs.
Marek’s Disease: Silkies should also be vaccinated against Marek’s to prevent this almost certain killer of Silkies.
What are Silkie Chickens good for—Silkie Q&A Q: Do Silkie Chickens lay good eggs?
Silkies are not really a good layer and they lay at the rate of around 100-120 eggs per year. Nevertheless, they are kind and amicable. Of course, if you’d like a flock of hens that lay a lot of eggs, Silkie chickens may not be your best option. However, if you are looking for a more user-friendly version of a pet and you like to have a pet that likes physical attention, then Silkies would be considered as a good breed to have. A: Are Silkie Chickens good pets?
Are Silkie chickens good pets for children or adults?
These are friendly, good-natured dogs that must have human contact)constantly…and are tough. In addition, they are low maintenance and do not require much space and are easily cared for. With appropriate care and attention, Silkies will be naturally tame and thrive on the love and attention from you.
Are silkie chickens easy to take care of?
Silkie chickens are yes, but less that hard to take care of. This makes them sturdy and versatile, able to endure in different climates. They are cage free and low maintenance birds, which is great for beginner backyard chicken keepers or simply those who have small space. Silkies can live long happy healthy lives with good diet, housing and health care.
Can Silkie Chickens Be Inter-Bred With Other Breeds Of Chickens?
Yes you can keep silkies with other breeds of chicken That said, they must be gradually introduced and that too under proper vigilance in order to shift them easily. Silkies are typically friendly and sociable, but they can be prone to stress and may need some extra care when introducing into a collaborative flock. Silkies can do well in a mixed flock with proper introduction and management.
Conclusion
Silkie chickens can be a fun and enjoyable bird to raise, particularly if you like the unusual looks and personality Silkie chickens provide. This comprehensive guide outlines the tips and guidelines you need to follow to ensure your Silkies will thrive and live a long, healthy life. Pick only healthy birds, cage them in a safe and comfortable environment, and keep an eye on their health to make sure you are taking measures to avoid common illnesses. Taking care of your Silkies will make you happy and brighten your backyard for many years.
