Last Updated on July 15, 2021 by AwesomeChickens
So let’s say you went out and got your first silkie. Congratulations! We hope you enjoy every second with that fluffy chicken. However, keep in mind that, like every other animal you look after, silkies have particular needs that will require some assistance to be met. After all, that fluffy bird shouldn’t have to take care of itself. That’s no fun. Learn the basics of raising silkie chickens and care for your flock well.
That being said, here are the most important things you need to know if you’re going to raise a silkie chicken.
Table of Contents
Hatching and Incubation
Silkies are famous for their great maternal instincts. Although they are cuddly fluff balls, silkies become true mother hens and tend to their eggs when it comes time to care for their clutch. That’s why many people prefer to skip traditional incubation in favor of Mother Nature and let their broody silkies sit on the eggs until hatching day. After that, silkies will be more than happy to take care of their own eggs until that shell cracks.
If you decide to incubate yourself, you should make sure that you have a high-quality incubator with an accurate humidity regulator, which has been proven to affect the hatchability of silkies. Other than that, incubation is no different from varieties of chickens.
Hatching silkies may require a little extra vigilance due to a thicker membrane in the shell. This membrane can make the hatching process a little more challenging for the chicks. In extreme cases, they seem to be struggling to emerge; you may feel compelled to intervene. Do this only if it is essential. Assist the chick in progressing through the shell slowly without eliminating all the struggle more than you need to. However, don’t worry or help too quickly. Most silkies come out without any issues.
Everyday Care
Silkie chickens are a unique breed but don’t require any extreme amounts of specialized care to keep them productive, content, and healthy. Though they are not a high-maintenance breed, their unique plumage may need a little extra attention to keep them looking good and healthy.
Of course, while they’re younger, you might want to pay more attention to them. While the silkie chicks are babies, stick to food with a high protein percentage and avoid giving them cold water.
Grooming
Silkies care for themselves with frequent dust baths and preening. Therefore, they don’t usually require much extra grooming. However, if your silkies do get themselves dirty, a simple rinse and pat dry will do the trick. Also, make sure the water is not too cold because that can cause a temperature shock. Sometimes, silkie owners will use a hairdryer to warm them up after a bath. The result is a lovely and puffy silkie chicken!
In addition to the occasional bath, it is also essential to check your flock over regularly for poultry lice and mites. These are common problems for all chickens. If left untreated, they can severely affect the health, comfort, and productivity of your flock. Thankfully, quick treatment can eliminate the problem. So each time you cuddle your silkies, give them a quick look over. This practice will help you identify issues and treat them proactively.
Diet
Silkies require no special dietary modification from other breeds. All you need to do is provide a balanced diet daily. Their nutrition should be high in protein and include grower/starter feed and various grains, grasses, and vegetables. In addition, they love occasional treats. These supplement their intake and bring them great joy.
Once a silkie is of egg-laying age, they should be fed ‘layer feed’ to provide the right mix of nutrients necessary to produce healthy eggs.
Housing
Just like all chickens, silkies require a high-quality coop to protect them from the outer environment. A home of solid construction from sturdy materials and heavy gauge wire mesh is vital for health and safety. Likewise, a solid locking door is necessary to keep out predators, especially at night. Construction of the chicken coop should consider the necessity of good ventilation and the importance of keeping the structure cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
As chickens are prone to do, silkie chickens love to sit on their eggs. Therefore, the coop should have proper nesting boxes that are lovely and spacious and in a draft-free area.
Roosts are also an essential feature of silkies abode. Since they aren’t the best at flying, experts advise that you put them lower to the ground than other chicken breeds. Some recommend placing them at 3’ high. It is also prudent to provide a ladder to help them get to their roost at night.
Silkies are active and social. They thrive with some room to stretch their beautifully feathered legs. Therefore, it is best to ensure their living space has a run or ample fenced-in area for them to explore.
Raising Silkie Chickens – Conclusion
If you love birds and you’re trying to gather the perfect flock, consider getting some silkies. These sweet and cuddly birds with dense, fluffy plumage are ideal for pets – they are low-maintenance, calm, and docile. You can’t go wrong with a silkie.
