However, other crossbreeding has made Silkie feathering a possibility in other breeds like the Chabo, which is found in Europe but not in North America. This fluffy chicken is a SilkieĪs a fluffy chicken, the Silkie plumage is its most notable characteristic. Others may appear blue as in the blue splash bearded Silkie chicken. They may have white, black, gray, brown, or golden feathers. They are fluffy-looking and look very different from other chicken breeds. These chickens can be classified as bantams or by many breed standards, large fowl. Also, if you decide to raise a Silkie rooster, be sure to have at least 8 hens. This can keep them safer and minimize any stress. In addition, raise them with other Silkies or other docile chicken breeds or other friendly bantams. Be sure to protect their coop and pen from predators. Keep a clean home for them by cleaning the droppings regularly.
#SILKIE CHICKEN FOR FREE#
Provide healthy food, fresh water, enough space, and opportunities for free ranging. With proper care, Silkie chickens can live up to 8 – 9 years. Silkie chickens are also ideal for agriculture projects, including 4-H and FFA, because of their gentle nature. They are friendly, docile chickens and fun to own as pets but there are other chicken breeds to consider if you want them as a food source. They do make fantastic mothers as they are broody. While they are smaller birds, you can eat their meat as well. If you are just getting started with raising chickens and roosters, Silkies is a good way to start. Be sure to raise Silkies roosters with other docile breeds. Silkie roosters, being bantam sized, aren’t as domineering and aggressive as roosters from many other breeds. These roosters will be a good option if you have nearby neighbors who may be disturbed by larger, louder roosters. A Silkie rooster works hard to protect his flock Silkie RoosterĪdd a Silkie rooster to your flock if you have a minimum of 6 – 8 hens. Silkie hens are good setters and mothers. If you want to hatch them, you will need a rooster so they are fertilized. Their eggs are small and either white, cream-colored, or tan. On average, Silkies lay 100 eggs per year. Technically, a dual purpose breed, you wouldn’t want to rely on them for a steady source of eggs. Be sure to keep their feathers dry when it’s cold.
They will not thrive in cold climates or damp, wet climates without a supplemental heat source.
A Silkie will do best in a moderate climate. While all chickens need shelter, some will do better in colder climates than others. When choosing chickens for your small farm or homestead, it’s important to consider your climate. Both beginners and experienced farmers can raise this breed of chicken without hassles. These chickens do not tear up grass or gardens and are small and easy to manage.
Silkie roosters will work to protect their flock but will not be dominant in a mixed breed. The males are incredibly docile and quiet compared to other male chickens. Keep Silkies dry in the cold weather to prevent frostbite Their calm nature often results in Silkies being bullied by more active and aggressive breeds when there are mixed flocks.
The female Silkie’s friendly and gentle temperament makes it an excellent mother, and for it to do well in confinement or when interacting with children.Īs a downside, they are low in the pecking order. They also lay fairly reliably throughout the year, even as natural daylight decreases in the colder, winter months. This makes them ideal if you want to hatch chicks. They will sit well and hatch eggs from less broody chicken breeds. Silkie hens go broody and make excellent mothers. In addition, farmers have noted an even better use for them. Silkie chickens are considered productive in that they will produce a few eggs per week. People raise Silkies for eggs, as pets, or as ornamental fowl. Silkie roosters are not as aggressive as other breeds however, they will still do a good job protecting their flock. Raise these mild-mannered chickens with other docile chicken breeds. Many people choose to keep Silkie chickens as ornamental fowl and for exhibition. However, if your purpose for raising chickens is for meat, you wouldn’t choose this breed. In addition to raising Silkie chickens for eggs, you can use them for meat when they reach market weight. You can raise the females to incubate other eggs. They are excellent mothers and can rear the offspring of other birds as well. Their notable characteristics include black meat, puffy-feathers, and tufts on their heads. Silkies have luxurious plumage, which feels like silk or satin. These friendly, small chickens are ideal for beginners and for backyards. Here’s what to know about adding a Silkie chicken to your flock.
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