Table of Contents
How long do Silkies live for?
around nine years old
What are Silkies known for?
broodiness
Why do Silkie chickens have 5 toes?
Silkie chickens- bless them, do like to do things a little differently and like humans have five toes adorning each foot. There is no real reasoning behind why silkies have five toes or what this means for them, just another quirk that makes them truly individual in the chicken breed world!
Are Silkies smart?
Though they are small in stature, silkies are big on personality! My silkies especially are total characters and are actually pretty smart. A silkie roo was the first chicken I trained to walk on a leash and I often took him to events to teach people about raising backyard chickens for eggs.
Are Silkies hard to keep alive?
Silkies like all other chickens require a certain amount of care to keep them happy and healthy, and while they are not a high-maintenance breed, because of their delicate and substantial feathering, they do need a little extra attention to keep them looking super smart and sassy.
Are Silkies good pets?
In short, they’re the perfect pet. Yep you can definitely keep chickens as pets, and Silkies make GREAT pets, especially for households with children. I also know MANY seniors who keep Silkies because they’re easier to care for than a dog, and they’re great company.
How long 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 Silkies live 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).
What is special about Silkie chickens?
They are often exhibited in poultry shows, and also appear in various colors. In addition to their distinctive physical characteristics, Silkies are well known for their calm, friendly temperament. It is among the most docile of poultry. Hens are also exceptionally broody, and care for young well.
Why are silkies so popular?
Why keep Silkie chickens? Because they’re reliably broody, great mothers, have sweet temperaments, and are a great addition to the homestead! Here are several reasons you want to consider getting broody breeds on your homestead, as well as why you want to introduce Silkies to your flock!
What are silkies used for?
Silkies are gentle, kind birds who love company and adore being held and fussed over.
Do all silkies have 5 toes?
Like most bird species, chickens have feet with four toes, three in the front and one in the back. Silkies take this one number further: They have five toes on each foot for a total of 10 toes
Why does my chicken have five toes?
The trait of having five toes represents a mutation that has occurred periodically throughout history. Our five chicken breeds that have five toes are Dorking, Faverolle, Houdan, Silkie, and Sultan.
Why does my silkie have extra toes?
Fact #1: Silkie chickens have extra toes Silkies are known for their unique genetic twist which gives them an additional 1 or 2 toes per foot. While most types of chickens have 4 toes, silkie chickens have 5 or even 6!
How many toes do silkie chickens have?
The standards of perfection call for all Silkies to have a small walnut-shaped comb, dark wattles, and turquoise-blue earlobes. In addition to these defining characteristics, Silkies have five toes on each foot
Are Silkies intelligent?
Though they may not be the most intelligent of the chicken breeds, silkies make up for it by being the most gentle and sweet. They are extremely laid-back and easy-going, so they make great pets, even for those who are not used to chickens.
Do Silkies like being cuddled?
Silkies don’t mind getting up close and personal with their human friends, in fact, they quite like being cuddled, kissed and groomed, making them eggcellent pets for young children.
Do silkie chickens like to be held?
Silkies are gentle, kind birds who love company and adore being held and fussed over.
Can Silkies see?
A. Silkies do have eyes and they can see very well, when their vision is not obstructed by their top knots. The large crests on top of some Silkies heads will reduce their vision somewhat, but can be trimmed as necessary.
Are Silkie chickens high maintenance?
Care. Similar to other chickens, while they need dedicated care, we wouldn’t call the Silkie chicken breed high maintenance (despite their appearance). While they tolerate heat well, their feathers are more like down and not waterproof (like other chickens).
What is the lifespan of a Silkie chicken?
seven to nine years
Are Silkie chickens fragile?
Care and pet life. One thing I have learned over the years is that Silkie chicks can be fragile. I always recommend adding vitamins and electrolytes to their water. Adult Silkies should be given a feed that is higher in protein, such as a gamebird feed of at least 20% protein.
Can Silkies be kept in the house?
The fact that silkie chickens are unable to fly due to their fluffy plumage makes them the easiest of all chickens to keep as pets because they are that much easier to contain. Silkies are also known for their calm, friendly temperament, which makes them exceptionally great pets for homes that have children
Do silkies like to cuddle?
Silkies don’t mind getting up close and personal with their human friends, in fact, they quite like being cuddled, kissed and groomed, making them eggcellent pets for young children.
Are silkies good for beginners?
Thanks to their fluffy feathers and docile behavior, silkies are a great starter bird for anyone looking to begin their own backyard flock. Silkies generally require smaller coops than other chickens. They still need plenty of food and water, however.