Just like all chickens, silkies require a good quality coop to protect them from the elements and pesky predators. It should be constructed from a sturdy timber, with a galvanised wire mesh and sturdy locks to keep out unwanted visitors.
What kind of coop do Silkie chickens need?
Set up a coop with at least 8 inches (200 mm) square for every bird in your flock. Silkies are small birds so they don’t need as much space as larger chickens. That said, if you have the option to give them more space in the coop, do so. They will appreciate the extra room.
Do Silkies need a nesting box?
If you don’t provide nesting boxes, your birds will find somewhere to lay eggs–leaving you to search for them or leaving you eggs that have become covered in droppings. Nesting boxes needn’t be elaborate. Just three enclosed sides with a roof and bedding is all your Silkies need.
How tall should a Silkie coop be?
A coop must be tall enough to give your chickens at least 18 inches of headroom above their heads. This means that for the average chickens a coops need to be at least 4 foot tall.
Do Silkie chickens need a roosting bar?
Silkies like all chickens like to roost and sleeping on a high perch is good for the health and well being of your flock. Silkies like to be as high as you can get them.
Can silkie chickens stay outside in the winter?
They will be fine in freezing temperatures (even sub zero temperatures) so long as they have access to fresh water and stay dry. Some particulars may vary breed-to-breed, for instance Silkies and frizzle-feathered chickens are less cold hardy. The above points will certainly give you a safe place to work from.
Do silkie chickens need a perch?
Silkies prefer to sleep on the ground, even if they have a place to roost up high. They still need a place to roost, because it provides them a place to shield themselves, stay warm, and keep safe from parasites.
Are Silkies easy to keep?
The fact that silkie chickens are unable to fly due to their fluffy plumage makes them the easiest of all chickens to keep as pets because they are that much easier to contain. Silkies are also known for their calm, friendly temperament, which makes them exceptionally great pets for homes that have children.
How long do silkie chickens need a heat lamp?
How long do Silkie chickens need a heat lamp as baby chicks? Approximately 16 weeks of age. Like other chicks, Silkies need their brooders to be between 90-95 degrees for their first week of life (and reduce the temperature by 5 degrees every week.)
At what age can Silkies go outside?
If the temperatures outside remain above 65°F (18°C) and the chicks are at least 6 weeks old, I think it’s safe to say that they can move into the coop without supplemental heat. Most chicks can leave the safety and warmth of the brooder at 6 – 8 weeks of age.
Are Silkies hard to keep alive?
Silkies like all other chickens require a certain amount of care to keep them happy and healthy, and while they are not a high-maintenance breed, because of their delicate and substantial feathering, they do need a little extra attention to keep them looking super smart and sassy.
Can Silkies be out in the rain?
Keep in mind that not all chickens have water-resistant feathers. For instance, chicks are so fluffy and adorable because all they have is down; they haven’t grown their tough, outer feathers yet and aren’t equipped for rainy weather at all. Silkie chickens are another example.
Will Silkies use a ramp?
The younger you start a silkie using a ramp, the easier it will be for them to get use to it. Always start your Silkies on the top story of the structure. Make sure the only access they have to feed and water is on the top floor, never down below, or they have no reason to go up the ramp once they are down below.
Can Silkies free range?
They don’t free range well.
Poor vision, susceptibility to predators, and extra toes mean silkies don’t forage or free range well.
Can you eat silkie chicken eggs?
Yes, a silkie chicken is considered a backyard chicken, and they lay white/cream-colored eggs that are safe to eat.
What age do silkie hens start laying?
around 7 to 9 months
Silkies can start to lay at around 7 to 9 months of age, although some will not lay until they are much older. The older a silkie is when she begins to lay, the more eggs she is likely to produce.
What is too cold for silkie chickens?
What Is Too Cold for a Silkie Chicken? Surprisingly enough, chickens, in general, can withstand temperatures below freezing. However, cold hardy breeds like Silkies can withstand up to zero degrees Fahrenheit when provided shelter.
Do silkies get picked on?
They don’t bother other breeds but do tend to be picked on in a mixed flock due to their gentle nature. Raising chicks from a young age will increase your bird’s attachment to you. Silkies are friendly and the perfect pet for families with young children.
How do you keep silkies clean?
The basic process is to wet the chickens thoroughly and wash them like you would your own hair in warm water, just rubbing the shampoo through the feathers gently. The rinse in warm water wrap them in a towel or blow them dry on low heat.
Can you mix Silkies with other chickens?
Interestingly, in our experience, Silkies usually get on well with other chicken breeds, despite their unusual plumage, presuming you have several (and not just one lone “different” bird).
Do silkie chickens sleep a lot?
Baby chicks do sleep a lot. Especially when they are very young. As they grow up they become much more active.