Silkies are a great starter bird for anyone looking to start their own flock.Silkies require smaller coops than other chickens.They still need food and water.These birds don't have a lot of requirements.They will live for up to 7 years if you keep them clean and healthy.
Step 1: Every bird in your flock needs at least 8 inches (200mm) of space in the coop.
Smaller birds don't need as much space as larger birds.If you have the option to give them more space, do so.The extra room will be appreciated by them.You can either build your own or order a pre-made one.You can close the mesh window at the top of the structure during the rainy season.Chickens can be let out into the yard by a door.Chickens can roost and nest in this area.They can lay eggs by roosting on a bar and hay.
Step 2: Prey can't break into a coop.
Hawks, owls, dogs, cats, and coyotes are some of the animals that target silkies.If you want your chickens to be safe, make sure their coop is predator-proof.To prevent other animals from climbing in, use wire that is no larger than 13mm wide.You can either bury wire mesh under the coop or choose a solid floor.Rats and burrowing animals can't dig their way in.All windows should be covered with mesh.There are holes and gaps.
Step 3: Chickens can be protected by setting up a chicken run outside.
A chicken run is a small area outside of the chicken house where your chickens can stay during the day.Hawks can't swoop at them if the area is covered from the top.Silkies don't do well in wet weather so make sure that at least part of the run is covered.Chicken runs keep chickens out of harm's way.They keep your chickens from getting lost.
Step 4: If you want free-range chickens, fence in an outdoor area.
You can always keep your silkies in a fenced yard if you want to skip the chicken run.You should give them as much space as you can.Free-range chickens will supplement their feed with bugs and grasses.The silkies need protection from the rain and sun, so make sure that part of the yard is shaded.You can plant trees for shade or set up an overhang.Chickens can be attacked during the day, so overhead covering is important.Even if your chickens are free-range, you must keep them indoors at night to protect them from the elements.
Step 5: Every 4 birds need a nest box.
Chickens can lay their eggs in the nest boxes.Communal nest boxes can be used for each bird.They can be bought online or at pet stores.There is a quiet corner of the coop where the nest boxes can be placed.Silkies can't fly or jump very high, so keep them close to the ground.
Step 6: There is a layer of bedding at the bottom of the coop.
Wood chips, sawdust, and shredded newspaper are great for bedding.The entire floor of the coop should be covered.The bedding helps keep your silkies warm.It will make it easier to clean up.Hay can cause respiratory problems.
Step 7: Silkies and chickens have the same temperament.
Silkies are usually submissive, which means that other breeds can bully them.Polish chickens or bantams are better for keeping silkies with other chickens.It may be possible to keep more than one male bird with the flock.If the males start to fight, separate them.
Step 8: There should be a water drinker and a feeders in the coop.
To prevent feces from entering the food, use covered feeders and water drinkers.These might look like a container in a dish.Water drinkers may bring nipples for chickens to drink from.The food and water dishes should be hung off the ground.The chickens shouldn't be able to climb on top of the food and water because they should be easy to reach.If you have a brooding hen or a hen with chicks, place a separate feeders and drinkers close to it.The chicks can drink without falling in if you use a "no-drown" drinker.
Step 9: The chickens should be fed once a day.
Grains, seeds, corn, and mineral supplements are included in the chicken feed.Give at least 2 ounces of feed for every bird.Chicken feeds can be found at feed mills, pet stores, and online.Water should be added to the grain so that it sticks together.This prevents the food from sticking to the chickens.Chicken feed should be used if the chickens are less than 20 weeks old.If the chickens are older than 20 weeks, give them a layer blend of feed.Oyster shells are usually used to supplement their calcium intake.The blend is for meat chickens.It should be given to them 6 weeks before slaughter.
Step 10: Fresh water is provided every day.
The hen's water drinker should be filled with fresh water.If the drinker runs out of water, fill it up again.In hot weather, leave a drinker empty.It's a good idea to have a drinker at night in the winter.It's best to refill it in the morning.
Step 11: Give your silkies some food to break down.
Silkies don't have teeth, so they need small rocks to break their food down.Near the food, put a small bowl of grit.You can buy it at pet stores or online.The chickens will be able to regulate how much they have in their diet.When the bowl starts to get low, refill it.
Step 12: Oyster shells are good for eggs.
Silkies can get enough calcium if they eat layer pellets.Add crushed oyster shells to their feed if they don't.They will be able to lay strong eggs.Pet stores and feed mills sell crushed oyster shells.
Step 13: Green vegetables are good for the silkies' diet.
Silkies will get enough greens if you have access to grass.They may not get enough during the winter.They should put some vegetables into their food.
Step 14: The feathers should be trimmed around the face and rear.
A trim can help your silkie see through their hair and keep them clean.The chicken should be held with one arm.Pull the ends of their long feathers with a pair of nail scissors.Don't cut too close to their skin.Silkies are not able to fly so you don't need to clip their feathers.
Step 15: If they get wet, dry them off.
Silkies aren't very waterproof.If your silkies get wet, put them in a warm room with a towel.
Step 16: Dust baths can be set off.
Silkies keep themselves clean with dust baths.It's a good idea to make sure the corner of their run or yard is free of dirt.Place a bowl with 6 inches (15 cm) of dusting powder in the coop if this is not possible.You can buy a dusting powder at a store.
Step 17: It's a good idea to clean the coop.
A clean rooster will help keep your silkies happy.The dirty bedding should be removed once a week.The nest boxes and floor need to be wiped down.The bedding should be replaced with fresh litter.If droppings are stuck to the boxes, scrub them off.Normal Disinfectants can irritate your chicken's respiratory systems, so don't use them.There is a pet store that sells bird-safe Disinfectant.
Step 18: The eggs should be collected in the morning.
Silkies lay fewer eggs than other chickens.You might get a few eggs a week.Every morning, you should collect the eggs.Throw away eggs that are cracked or split.Keep the rest and clean off.You can eat silkie eggs the same way you would chicken eggs.It means that the hen is brooding if it refuses to leave its eggs or acts aggressively when you approach its nest.The hen and its eggs should be left alone.You may have baby silkies soon.
Step 19: Chickens need to bevaccinated to prevent Marek's disease.
The disease is caused by a Viruses.It's very common in silkies.If you want to prevent an outbreak in your flock, ask a vet to give you a vaccine.Many people try to breed diseases from their chickens.As you choose where to get your chickens, take this into account.There are a number of symptoms of this disease, including a gray eye, blisters on the skin, and weight loss.There is no cure for this disease.If your birds have been diagnosed with it, you will either have to put them down or permanently suck them up.
Step 20: The chickens should be checked regularly for parasites.
You should brush the silkies' feathers once a week.There are moving dots in the skin or feathers.Take your silkie to the vet if you notice any mites.Other signs of mites include restless skin, excessive biting of feathers, and ruffled or patchy feathers.If you find mites in one of the birds, make sure to clean the coop thoroughly.It's a good idea to use a bird-safe Disinfectant.
Step 21: If the hen is laying eggs, watch for broody behavior.
The hen lays eggs to hatch.The hen wants to go to a different area.As it sits on its eggs, it may resist being touched.As you approach it, it may make a noise.After 21 days, move the silkie to a separate crate to protect the eggs.Give the hen food and water during this time.As soon as the chicks hatch, you can move them back to the house.Silkies are known to be excellent brooders and can be placed in an incubator.They usually won't abandon their eggs.If you have other breeds of chickens that don't brood, give them eggs to a silkie.Silkies are known to brood any eggs, even egg-shaped items.