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).
What chickens go well with silkies?
This is a docile and friendly chicken breed. In fact they are so friendly they often get bullied by more assertive birds like Rhode Island Reds. They will do well mixed with other docile breeds (such as Polish, Cochin or similar types) and enjoy a peaceful coexistence.
Can silkie chickens crossbreed?
Breeding Tips: Silkie Chickens.
Cross a silkie with any hard feathered bird, and the offspring will be hard feathered. Cross these offspring together, and you will get some silkie feathered birds.
Is it OK to mix chicken breeds?
The short answer to this is, yes. Different chicken breeds can live successfully together in what’s called a mixed flock. But a mixed flock does take some consideration. For instance, some breeds are known to be very docile and calm, while others have a more dominant personality.
Can silkies live with standard 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 like to be held?
Silkies are gentle, kind birds who love company and adore being held and fussed over.
How long does it take for hens to accept new hens?
It can take quite a long time – up to 3 weeks for new chickens to get to like each other. Be patient. There will be pecking orders established so some pecking is okay. Just watch to make sure they aren’t fighting for more than 20-30 seconds, drawing blood.
When can I let my chickens free range?
1. The best hours for supervised free ranging are just prior to dusk. This way, the chickens should automatically return to their coop/run as the daylight fades.
Can you eat silkie chicken eggs?
Do Silkie Chickens Lay Eggs to Eat? Yes, a silkie chicken is considered a backyard chicken, and they lay white/cream-colored eggs that are safe to eat.
Do Silkies need a rooster?
Silkie roosters are a less aggressive breed of chicken, and they are mostly known for having a fairly calm temperament. Keeping only one rooster at a time can help reduce incidences of aggression, but it doesn’t mean they won’t happen.
What is the calmest chicken breed?
Calm chicken breeds list
- Jersey Giant.
- Brahma.
- Cochin.
- Cornish.
- Orpington.
- Plymouth Rock.
- Dorking.
- Sussex.
What color eggs do Silkies lay?
white
Unfortunately, Silkies are relatively poor egg layers. They will lay around 3 eggs per week, with some Silkies not laying at all over summer. Their eggs are small to medium in size and cream or white in colour.
What breeds of chickens do well together?
Heat-Tolerant: The most heat-tolerant chicken breeds include the Rhode Island Red, Barred Rock, Easter Eggers, Australorp, Silkies, Millie Fleurs, and Welsummers.
What chicken lays a purple egg?
Sadly, there is no chicken breed that lays truly purple eggs. If your eggs look purple, it’s the bloom to blame. The bloom is a protective layer on the outside of the gg that helps prevent bacteria from entering the shell. It also helps the eggs stay fresh.
Do Silkies need special care?
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.
How much space do Silkies need?
Plan four square feet of run area per bantam Silkie; eight to ten square feet for heavier Silkies. Provide perches. Chickens like to roost sleeping with their feet off the ground. An old wooden ladder can work for large birds.
Are Silkie chickens good for beginners?
Thanks to their fluffy feathers and docile behavior, silkies are a great starter bird for anyone looking to begin their own backyard flock. Silkies generally require smaller coops than other chickens. They still need plenty of food and water, however.
What is the average lifespan of a silkie chicken?
seven to nine years
Silkies are a surprisingly hardy breed. You can expect them to live for seven to nine years on average. Their long lifespan may be due to their low egg laying capabilities. This means that because they lay eggs less often, they experience less strain on their body.
How long do silkie chickens live?
around nine years old
Silkies are hardy and resilient, and they are able to thrive in both cold and warm climates. These chickens are long-lived, often having life spans up to around nine years old, and continue to stay beautiful even when older.
Can chickens stay in the coop all day?
So yes, chickens can stay inside their coop all day as long as they have everything they need for the entire day, including light. If your coop does not have windows you can put in lights and a timer, but that often requires running electric and many people don’t want to do that outside.
Can I put new chickens in with my old ones?
WHEN CAN I INTRODUCE THE NEW CHICKS TO THE FLOCK? Baby chicks must be raised on their own to an absolute minimum age of six weeks old before being introduced to the rest of your flock. If possible, wait until your pullets (young, non-laying hens) are 8-12 weeks old before making the introduction.
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