How Much Do Silkie Chickens Cost? Silkie chicks can be purchased for anywhere from $3 to $10 each, while adult hens or roosters can be bought for between $15 and $50 each. The pricing depends on many different factors, most importantly, the lineage and quality of the breeder.
What is the rarest color of silkie chicken?
Red Silkies are a rare variation and not recognized. The color does not exist naturally in Silkies and must be introduced by another breed. Some breeders describe them simply as darker buff variations, although there are breeders specially working on developing red Silkies in Australia.
Are Silkies worth it?
Silkie chickens are an excellent bird to own if you want a breed that acts more like a barnyard pet. Unfortunately, they do not serve well as meat-producing birds, and they have a lower-than-average egg-laying rate. However, with their adorable personalities and friendliness, they can round out your flock of chickens.
How much is a white silkie chicken?
Silkie Pricing
Silkie chicks start at $20 and go up from there, depending on quality first, then age, color, quantity, etc.
How much is a black silkie chicken?
The prices vary depending on the quality, but top-quality chicks can cost around $10-15 while hens are anywhere between $25-50.
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 you eat Silkie eggs?
Yes, a silkie chicken is considered a backyard chicken, and they lay white/cream-colored eggs that are safe to eat.
How many years do Silkies lay eggs?
Silkies will generally consistently lay their eggs for two years or so, then gradually their production will start to decline. A hen won’t simply one day stop laying eggs altogether.
Can I eat silkie meat?
Comparing Silkie Meat to Regular Chicken
They are considered small and bony and due to this and the odd color of their skin, meat and bones, they are preferred for soups and stocks. The darker meat of the Silkie chicken is said to taste even better than regular chicken with a much leaner and more gamey feel.
What’s the most expensive chicken?
Have you thought about how expensive a chicken can cost? You will be surprised but the price of the most expensive chicken in the world reaches $5000. This is a fairly rare and expensive breed of chickens in absolutely black color called Ayam Cemani.
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 type of eggs do Silkies lay?
They lay small eggs with big deep yellow yolks with not so much white, perhaps 3-5 a week. You can see the difference above, between the silkie eggs on the right and commercially bought free range eggs on the left. The females tend to be broody and are often used for hatching eggs from other hens.
Are Silkie roosters expensive?
Silkie chicks can be purchased for anywhere from $3 to $10 each, while adult hens or roosters can be bought for between $15 and $50 each. The pricing depends on many different factors, most importantly, the lineage and quality of the breeder.
What chickens get along 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.
How can you tell if a silkie chick is male or female?
Female Silkies will keep their bodies more horizontally positioned, where males will stand more upright, keeping their chests forward and their necks elongated. Males will also hold their tail more upright, where females will keep it horizontal or slightly dipped toward the ground.
Do Silkie chickens carry diseases?
Silkies in particular, are highly susceptible to Marek’s Disease. The percentage of illness and death in a flock can be anywhere from 1% to up to 50%. The clinical disease is typically seen between 6 weeks to 30 weeks of age.
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).
How many eggs can a Silkie sit on?
When you have noticed your Silkie is broody you can then put fertile eggs under her, up to 10 bantam eggs, 6 normal hen eggs or 5 duck eggs. She can even sit on larger eggs but I would only put about 2-3 under 1 hen. 3.
Are Silkies aggressive?
Silkie roosters can and do crow, but they are quieter than other breeds of roosters. Their unique looks and small stature make them one of the more popular breeds for backyard chicken coops. They are also less aggressive than other breeds and are a good choice for beginners and inexperienced handlers.
Can Silkies survive 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.
What do you feed Silkies?
Feed your silkie chickens layer crumbles rather than pellets, as pellets are sometimes too large for silkies to eat. You can feed them a mash made of bran, grated apple and carrot mixed with meat meal and a little vegetable oil once or twice a week. Toss out table scraps such as vegetables and bread for your chickens.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.