Silkie chickens are a type of chicken breed. They are known for their unique fluffy appearance that sets them apart from other kinds of chickens. Not only are these chickens interesting because of their fluffy appearance, but there are also some other unique things about the Silkie chickens, including their black skin and blue earlobes. These unique creatures make for great pets, but there are so many more things you should know about them before you consider purchasing them.
How Many Eggs Does the Silkie Chicken Produce?
Most Silkie hens will produce about 100 eggs per year. While this is less than the number of eggs that other chickens may have in a year, it is not that big of a deal, mainly because the eggs that they lay are often bigger than traditional eggs that you would find in a supermarket. You should also know that the eggs produced by Silkie chickens are often slightly beige or cream instead of the white color that you might be used to seeing when you head over to the store for eggs.
What Kind of Temperament Does the Silkie Chicken Have?
Silkie chickens are much calmer than some of the other chicken breeds. If you have ever dealt with an aggressive chicken, you should know that the Silkies are the exact opposite. Not only are they not aggressive, but these chickens are quite friendly. They like being handled by caretakers who feed them, carry them, and even play around with them outside. These chickens are calm and easy to maintain. When you want to find chickens that will work well with you and your family, Silkies are a great choice.
How Much Do These Chickens Normally Weigh?
The Silkie chickens are incredibly lightweight. Most males will only weigh a maximum of three pounds, while females will typically only weigh a maximum of two pounds. Because they are so light, it is easy to hold them and care for them. These are extraordinary chickens to introduce to young children who may want an outdoor pet to care for each day. Of course, a Silkie can weigh a bit more, but that all depends on what they eat and how often they eat.
Are Silkies Easy to Handle?
Silkie chickens are considered relatively easy to handle for several reasons. Unlike some chickens, they are not aggressive and tend to have such a calm demeanor. If you handle them with care and give them the much-needed attention they desire, you can expect your Silkies to behave well while handling them. Besides being calm creatures, they are also friendly and safe for children to come in contact with while at home or on a farm.
Do You Have to Clean Up After the Silkie Chickens Very Often?
You do not have to clean up after Silkie chickens more often than you would with other chickens, but you need to stay on top of cleaning up after these animals. Be sure to remove soiled shavings that these chickens rest on every few days to keep the shavings from becoming dirty and stinky.
Silkies can be bathed in warm water when you think they need a bath. If you notice poop sticking to the chicken, it may mean that it is time for you to change those shavings. Before returning the Silkie to a coop full of clean shavings, you should wash the animal with warm water and dish soap to ensure it is as clean as possible.
Should Silkie Chickens Live Indoors or Outdoors?
Although it is possible to keep a Silkie chicken inside the home, it is far better to let the animal live outside. It is better to leave these chickens outside because they enjoy roaming around to spend time on the grass while soaking up as much sunlight as possible. Like most chickens, Silkies do best in a natural environment for them, which is why they prefer being outdoors. It would be best to create the perfect outdoor oasis for the Silkie chickens if you are planning to buy them and keep them on your land where you will provide the best care.
What Type of Environment Do the Silkie Chickens Like?
Silkie chickens can survive in warmer and colder temperatures. They manage to adapt quite quickly, unlike some animals. However, you do need to provide a shelter that will keep them dry and comfortable. You can build a chicken coop or purchase one for these Silkie chickens. Make sure you have proper bedding and insulation that will keep these chickens feeling good.
What Is the Typical Cost of the Silkie Chicken?
When buying a hen, you can expect to pay up to $50 per Silkie chicken. However, if you are buying Silkie chickens as chicks, the cost is often a lot lower. You may pay as much as $15 per chick or as low as $5 per chicken. You can get these chickens from breeders who may have tons of Silkie chickens available for you to get and take home with you.
What Do the Silkie Chickens Eat?
One thing you will quickly realize when you have Silkie chickens is that they enjoy a good meal. Best of all, they are not picky eaters. You can purchase food explicitly made for chickens that consist of corn, apple, and bran. If you have leftover vegetables or bread at home, it is safe to give some of those leftovers to your Silkies. They are also fond of mealworms and will eat as many of them as you have to offer because it is one of their favorite treats.
The Silkie Chicken can be a great addition to your flock.
Silkie chickens are adorable, small creatures that do not weigh much and are known for being incredibly friendly and easy to handle. If you were thinking about getting chickens for a farm on your property, this is the perfect breed to select. While Silkie chickens only lay around 100 eggs per year, they are great animals to interact with each day. When you love them and take the best care of them, you can expect to see them thriving.
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