The chicken's name derives from its feathers, which have the appearance and texture of soft downy fur or silk. Because of their gentle and docile nature, they are prized as pets. Raising a Silkie chicken can be a rewarding experience, but one that requires forethought and consideration.
Things You'll Need
- Silkie chickens
- Chicken coop
- Green vegetables
- Oyster shell
- Grit
- ACTIVE culture yoghurt
- Vinegar
- Water
Instructions
Keep Silkies in a coop that is warm, free of drafts and dry. Because the birds do not fly, they require low perches and nesting boxes.
Give them clean water to drink every day. Put three tablespoons of vinegar per gallon of water into their water. This will keep the water free of bacteria and will aid the bird's absorption of calcium.
Feed Silkies green vegetables, oyster shell, and grit. Also feed them beneficial bacteria by mixing one or two teaspoons of ACTIVE culture yogurt with their food.
Pick Silkies up at least once a week to make sure they are tame and also to inspect their health. Silkie chickens are prone to scaly leg mite (knemidocoptes mutans). If an affected area is found, apply petroleum jelly or surgical spirit.
Inspect for injuries such as broken bones, missing feathers, swollen crop, swollen abdomen, abscesses around the eyes and throat, pasted vent, or bad odor near the ears. Because Silkie chickens are prey animals they will try and hide their problems to avoid being attacked.
Trim the Silkie's beak and nails every three or four weeks with an emery board. Also check that the Silkie's eyes are visible as sometimes they can have too many feathers around their eyes. Trim or pluck any excess feathers.