Instructions
Feed your silkies pre-mixed chick starter if they are under four weeks, or chick grower if they are over four weeks. Silkies need greens in their diet. The best source is grass; allow your silkies to free-range. If you can̵7;t free-range your silkies, cabbage or lettuce are good alternatives.
Allow 2 to 3 square meters of coop space per pair of adults. Silkies are unable to fly due to their feather structure, so provide low, easy-to-reach perches. Ensure coops are fully enclosed. Silkies should be supervised when outside the coop; alternatively, surround the outdoor run with chicken wire. This should include sides and roof.
Provide hens with low, easy-to-reach nesting boxes. Your hens will stop laying eggs around three years of age. Silkie hens lay small, lightly tinted eggs. Silkies will lay an average of 90 to 120 eggs per year; they will stop laying through winter. Silkie hens are one the broodiest breeds (this means they are diligent hatchers and mothers), and are used as foster moms for eggs belonging to other chickens or fowl. Hens will comfortably look after six to eight chicks at a time.
Check your silkies regularly during spring and summer for lice. Spring and summer increase the incidence of lice infestation. Broody hens (hens sitting on eggs) are most susceptible because they have a tendency to remain with the brood and not preen or bath themselves. Treat their pens and nest boxes each month during spring and summer and every two months during fall and winter with a de-lousing product such as Coopex powder or solution. Scaly leg is caused by a mite that burrows under the skin. If you suspect your silkie has scaly leg mites, check with your veterinarian for appropriate treatment options.
How to Keep Silkies
Silkie chickens are an ancient breed that originated in Asia. These birds are known for their silky, fur-like feathers and bluish-black skin, bones and meat. There are bearded and non-bearded varieties of Silkies, which average 2 lbs. fully grown. They adapt well to confinement and are exceedingly docile and friendly. Because silkies are so docile and can̵7;t fly, they need to be protected from ground and flying predators. Silkies don̵7;t do well outdoors in extreme climates, hot or cold; their feathers don̵7;t hold heat in, keep heat out or shed water.