Silkie Rooster Care

Silkie chickens trace their history back to ancient China. Called silkies for their fluffy, fur like feathers, the birds are often white with black skin. Smaller than standard chickens, they make excellent pets, as well as backyard chickens. Silkie roosters require the basic care afforded all chickens -- with some special care taken in the areas of feed, grooming, and housing -- to accommodate their size and build.

  1. Housing

    • Silkie roosters require two to three feet of coop space per bird. Their light feathers make even limited flight a challenge, so perches must be placed low to the ground and proper bedding provided for birds that choose to roost on the coop floor. Silkies are small and docile and are therefore more prone to predation. Coops and runs should have covered tops and buried fencing to protect them from hawks, dogs, and raccoons.

    Feeding

    • Silkie roosters are too small for standard chicken feed. Feed them layer crumbles or chick starter feed. Supplement grain diets with direct access to grass, or add a combination of lettuces and cabbage for roughage. Silkies, like most chickens, also appreciate a mix of fruits and vegetables chopped down to size.

    Grooming

    • Groom Silkie roosters as needed, for maintenance or show. Feathers can be washed and dried in the sun, as well as trimmed. Bathing birds is not necessary, unless they are to be exhibited. Nails should always be cut back to appropriate length with sturdy nail clippers.

    Health

    • Silkie roosters, while small, are generally healthy chickens. They can be prone to lice in their fine feathers and therefore require fastidiously clean housing that is deloused regularly. Check their feathers for lice or feather damage caused by chewing lice. Silkies can be treated for intestinal parasites with de-wormers that are added to feed or water.