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| Quick Facts About Silkie Chickens |
Today, there are over 100 breeds of chickens and they all have something special to offer. Some chickens make wonderful pets for children and adults, while others lay lots of eggs to help save money at the grocery shop. Still others are raised for meat.
What about the silken chicken? This breed of chicken is special in many ways. Its plumage, personality and characteristics are unlike any other chicken breed. Do you want to know more about this cute and adorable chicken breed?
Silkie chicken overview
silkie chicken
Image credit: eloneo, Pixabay
Silkie chickens have long, shaggy plumage that makes them very hairy. Their slightly comical appearance belies a playful but gentle personality that will appeal to most children and adults. They are Asian chickens that made their way to the United States in the 13th or 13th century.
These chickens are easy to care for, but they do not do well in cold, wet climates. They cannot fly like other breeds of chickens and they like to live indoors with human family members. However, most of them live abroad in cooperatives associated with exercise tracks.
They are not considered large chickens and are not suitable for raising them for meat. They only lay 150 eggs a year, so they might help you reduce your annual grocery bill, unless you have a large flock. The eggs are small, light brown and tasty.
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How much does silkie chicken cost?
Silkie chicks can be purchased for between $3 and $10 each, while mature chickens or roosters can be purchased for between $15 and $50 each. The price depends on several different factors, the most important of which are the proportions and the quality of the breeder. Other factors that may play a role include the type of food served to the chicken and its environmental conditions.Typical behaviour and mood
These chickens are full of fun but not overly reactive. Their laid-back attitude and quirky personalities create comical interactions with them. These gentle birds love human company and will sit on someone's lap all day if allowed. They love to talk and love to eat out of people's hands.
Chickens don't like to raise chicks either, so they can usually be found laying an egg or two, even if these eggs have not been fertilised. Silkie chickens tend to get along with other more flexible breeds of chickens, which can lead to quarrels and injuries. They like to run free and chase insects and worms, but they cannot protect themselves from predators, so their space must be fenced or enclosed in some way.
Appearance and varieties
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Image credit: Andy M., Pixabay
One of the most impressive things about Silky Chicken is their thick, extraordinarily fine feathers that make them look like little round balls. Their feathers cover their heads and sometimes hide their eyes, although they seem to see well through such thick feathers.
Their feet and sometimes their feet are also covered with feathers. These chickens come in a variety of colours, including black, white, grey, orange and blue. They do not grow combs like most other types of chicken. They have a long beak and small wings, which makes them look like teenagers even as adults.
How to care for a silky chicken
The good news is that Silky chickens are not only easy to care for, but also fun to care for. They don't need much space to grow, and they run away whenever a human walks in their path. They don't eat much and are fun to spend time with. Here's what you need to know about coop setup, feeding habits and health care needs.
Housing conditions and composition
Silkie chickens need to live in an enclosed space to protect them. If you want to keep an eye on the chicken, place it in a coop attached to an exercise pen. Each chicken should have at least 3 square feet of living space available in the coop and at least 6 square feet of exercise space in the attached pen.
If your chickens are free-range, their open space should be surrounded by wire mesh so that dogs and other predators cannot reach them. They cannot fly like other chickens, so extra protection is essential. Their habitat only needs grass, food and water.
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What do you feed your silk chicken?
Like most other chickens, Silkie chickens eat a variety of grains, including cracked wheat, maize, barley and oats. These grains can be found in a grocery store or can be purchased separately and combined to prepare a full meal.
These chickens should be given half a cup of scrub each day, and a little less if they are kept outdoors, as they will identify the same worms and insects to supplement their diet. Their scratching should be spread throughout their living space so that they can use their natural foraging instincts and keep their minds sharp. These chickens also enjoy serving leftover vegetables and fruit as snacks throughout the week.
white silk
Image credit: Pixabay
Keeping a silky chicken healthy
Silkies have thick hairy feathers. When the feathers are wet, they weigh the birds down and can take hours to dry. If conditions are kept wet, these chickens will find it difficult to stay dry, which can lead to disease and poor quality of life. Therefore, they should be kept in a dry and dirt-free environment.
These chickens need to be dewormed every few months as they are susceptible to worm infestations due to their genteel lifestyle. They do not require special care unless they get wet, as they should be dried with a clean towel or cloth.
Do silkies get along with other pets?
Silkies are farm animals and as such can generally live with other animals including ducks, pigs, cows and horses. However, they may not get on well with other breeds of chickens and may end up being harassed or even injured. Friendly dogs and cats can be introduced to them if the atmosphere is calm and safe, but they should always be supervised while spending time together.
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Is silken chicken right for you?
If you are looking for a small chicken suitable for beginners and chicken lovers alike, Silky Chicken is perfect. If you currently keep other types of chickens, you should not consider bringing these chickens into your facility unless they have a separate and safe place to live. Are you planning to buy one or more silk chickens? Tell us about your plans in the comments section!
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