QA

Quick Answer: What Do Silkie Chickens Eat

Silkie chickens are omnivores, thus they need a combination of plant material such as grains, vegetables, seeds, and grass as well as some insects and other animal protein sources such as eggs. The largest part of their diet must consist of grains and pulses with the occasional extra protein source.

What do you feed silkie chickens?

Feed your silkie chickens layer crumbles rather than pellets, as pellets are sometimes too large for silkies to eat. You can feed them a mash made of bran, grated apple and carrot mixed with meat meal and a little vegetable oil once or twice a week. Toss out table scraps such as vegetables and bread for your chickens.

Do Silkie Chickens need special food?

Silkie chickens can eat the same foods as any large fowl chicken can, they do not need any special feeds in their diet. I give mine small or short cut layers pellets, the same as I do with all my bantams, this makes it a little easier for them to eat and they only cost about 2% more than the standard.

Do silkies need special care?

Do Silkies need special care? Yes a little special care is required for Silkie chickens. The feathers wet easily and the birds can become chilled if this happens. The extra toes and feather feet can sometimes be an issue.

Do Silkie Chickens like to be held?

Silkies are gentle, kind birds who love company and adore being held and fussed over.

What can silkies not eat?

What are Silkies not allowed to eat? Food to avoid Toxic effect Green potatoes or green tomatoes Contains a Nero-toxin causing drowsiness, paralysis, and eventually death Apple seeds Although apple flesh is completely safe, apple seeds contain cyanide which prevents the red blood cells from taking up oxygen.

Can silkie chickens eat rice?

As stated earlier, chickens should be given rice in moderation, which means that rice should not take over a large portion of your chicken’s diet. All the more, replace any essentials. Your chickens will love rice, but make sure you watch and control how much of it they eat. It should remain as a treat.

Are silkies picky eaters?

They’re unlikely to eat more than they need, so you don’t have to worry about overdoing it! TREATS – Silkie chickens love to eat, and aren’t really fussy about what they’re scoffing! However, they are very fond of mealworms and corn.

Can silkies survive winter?

When keeping your Silkies outside in the winter, it’s essential to ensure they don’t get too cold or wet. As long as they have access to a warm shelter, they can live outside in the winter months. Monitor them closely throughout the winter to ensure they stay healthy!Apr 19, 2021.

Why are Silkie chickens so fluffy?

The legs are short and wide-set, grey in color. Their feathers lack barbicels (those are the hooks that hold the feathers together), hence the fluffy appearance. The main feathering looks just like the under-down of regular chickens. The fact that the feathers do not hold together means a Silkie chicken cannot fly.

How do you keep Silkies clean?

If your silkies get wet, dry them off with a towel before placing them inside a warm room or coop. Set off an area for dust baths. Silkies keep themselves clean naturally with dust baths. Make sure that a corner of their run or yard is bare dirt.

How much are silkie chickens worth?

The cost of a silkie can vary greatly depending on the quality of breeding. A ‘show worthy’ silkie can cost up to $100, but backyard adult silkies will go for around $25. The initial investment will cost around $300-1000 for a coop and a few birds and thereafter ongoing costs are around $7-10 per month per bird.

Can you mix Silkies with other chickens?

A: Yes, in most cases you can mix breeds of chicken in your flock. 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).

How do you bond with a silkie?

Like any other animal, the quickest and easiest way to tame silkies is to, well, bribe them with treats! It can be in the form of mealworms, oats, raisins, and sunflower seeds. My flock loves eating Grubblies and cracked corn, so you might want to give those a try.

Do silkie chickens fly?

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.

What color eggs do silkies lay?

Their eggs are a white/cream color with occasional tinting. How many eggs do they lay? They are considered poor layers, giving only 2-3 eggs per week.

Do silkie chickens eat bugs?

Silkie Chickens as Moms One Silkie hen has so far refused to do much that is very useful in the way of chick production, but she eats bugs and lays little eggs and she’s welcome to stay as long as she wants.

Can silkies eat bread?

Foods that are Safe to Feed Your Chickens Bread – Bread, in moderation, can be fed to your chickens, but avoid moldy bread. Cooked meats – Meats should be cut into small pieces. Grains – Rice, wheat, and other grains are fine for your chickens.

How do you make a Silkie house?

Good Silkie housing must have a solid roof and walls. Silkies tolerate heat and cold well, but Silkies’ feathers are not like other chickens’ feathers. Water will not run off their backs. Your choice of housing must offer your birds a place of protection from rain, wind and too much sun.