When do silkie chickens start laying eggs

I am an online writer with a love for animals. I've been a contributor to many sites including eHow, Xomba, Helium, and HubPages.

Silkies are a unique breed of chicken. Read on the learn about what makes them so special.

Sally Crossthwaite

Silkies Are Unique

Silkies are a very unusual breed of chicken for many reasons. Below I list the traits that separate them from the rest of their species. Some of these unique characteristics include having feathers that resemble fur, having black skin, and having five toes instead of the typical four toes on each foot.

These birds are sweet and friendly, and they make wonderful pets for just about anyone. This is a chicken you would want to cuddle, and luckily for us, most silkies have such complacent personalities that they wouldn't mind it at all.

In this article, I will address the following aspects of silkies:

• Physical features
• Personality
• Other information
• Life cycle
• How to raise
• Interactions with other animals

Pretty Pullets

cskk

Physical Features

In this section, learn more about the following physical characteristics of these fluffy chickens.

• Size
• Feathers
• Crest
• Eyesight
• Beards
• Skin
• Feet
• Toes
• Combs and wattles
• Feather patterns
• Coloring
• Flight

Size of Silkies

Silkies in America are fairly small (about the size of a rabbit). They are all called bantams (a term that means "miniature chickens"), and in general, they are between 8-14 inches tall. In other countries, however, there are two sizes of silkies: one that is a bit smaller than ours and a standard version that is a bit bigger than ours.

Overall, silkies are a fairly compact breed with short legs and roundish bodies.

Me, AlishaV

Silkie Feathers

Silkies have feathers that are different from most chickens.

If we look at a single chicken feather, typically we will find thick hairs growing on either side of the main shaft. These hairs are called barbs, and in most feathers, the barbs look neat and straight. If you look really closely, you can see that these barbs branch into things called barbules.

These barbules are lined with tiny hooks called barbicels which act like Velcro and keep the feathers smooth and straight. If you have ever played with a chicken feather, you will notice that even when you pull the little sections apart, you can make the feather whole again by brushing the barbules back into place.

But silkie feathers are different. They lack the barbicels that keep feathers in that neat, smooth appearance. The individual feathers, hence, wisp around which makes silkies look messy and furry. Silkie feathers are, therefore, similar to down, the undercoating that most poultry have. These birds look like rabbits or balls of fluff. My favorite is when people describe them as fluffy slippers with feet.

Young silkie's crest

raindog

Silkies' Crests

Silkies have a fun tuff of feathers on top of their heads, which will eventually grow out and just barely start curling around their faces.

Underneath this little mound of hair lies a vaulted skull. Good show chickens and some pet-quality silkies have skulls that are actually arched up at the top of their heads which leaves a vulnerable spot. If another chicken gives the silkie a good, strong peck on top of its head, it can actually cause neurological damage or even kill them.

Silkie Eyesight

Silkies often have difficulty seeing because their puffy, feathery crest and other facial feathers occasionally obscure their eyes completely.

Breeders usually handle this in one of two ways.

• They trim or pluck the feathers away from the Silkie's face if it does not need to be in top shape for a show.
• They pin the crest back using a hair tie. Done gently, this does not harm the feathers but still allows the chickens to see.

Beautifully crested silkie

Do Silkies Have Beards?

Silkies come in two varieties: bearded and non-bearded.

Some silkies have a group of feathers on their chins which resemble beards, and others do not it. It all depends on the breeder's personal preference. Some people like the added fluffiness that the beards add to the chicken's face and others do not.

Me, AlishaV

Silkies Have Black Skin

Unlike most backyard chickens which have yellow skin, silkies have black skin. Their skin is very dark, and this makes them a popular delicacy in some Asian countries.

It also makes them wonderfully colored. If their feathers are black, then the black skin underneath makes the feathers look blacker. If the silkie is white, the black skin underneath makes the white deeper.

They also have dark, purplish-black combs and wattles. This shade is called mulberry. It can sometimes be difficult to see the combs and wattles against their black skin, but I think it makes them look really cute.

A silkie's feathered feet

Me, AlishaV

Silkies Have Feathered Feet

Silkies have feathers growing on their feet. This can sometimes be a problem if they regularly walk into muddy areas or have a non-wired cage bottom.

They will clean their feet feathers as they do all their feathers, but show birds need to keep their feet clean at all times. Even if they aren't going to be shown, it's best to keep them in a somewhat clean area and provide a perch for them to sleep on at night so their feathers stay clean.

A silkie's five toes.

Me, AlishaV

Silkies Have Five Toes

Most chickens have four toes, but silkies have five toes on each foot. Some, however, are born with fewer toes, or as is often the case, fused or partial toes due to a common genetic mutation.

If you are keeping them as pets, it doesn't matter how many toes they have. But silkie breeders have to work hard to make sure their chickens have the right number of toes, otherwise they will get disqualified at shows.

Most hatchery-breed silkies are lower quality, and the majority of them have improper toes.

Young silkie cockerel

Mr. E

Combs and Wattles

Silkie roosters have walnut-shaped combs. Dark skin is an important breed characteristic, but wattles and combs vary a little bit. They should be mulberry in color, but it's not uncommon for hatchery birds to have poorly-shaped combs.

Some silkies have earlobes with a beautiful turquoise sheen.

Silkie Feather Patterns

Aside from the regular solid colors, they come in several patterns, including cuckoos, partridge, and splash.

Cotton candy colors

Penny Higgins

Coloring Silkies

If you are not happy with the way your silkie looks, you can color them with food coloring. As long as food-safe colorings are used, it doesn't hurt the bird and is really fun. I think the chickens even get a bit of enjoyment out of it too because they get more attention and cuddles.

Silkie Flight

Silkies aren't well known for their flying. At best, it's usually more of a controlled fall, though some don't even do that well.

All silkies are somewhat capable of flying, but it takes quite a bit of energy, and most don't bother or know how.

It's always best to place perches low so they can get up and down without straining themselves. Also, never drop them onto the ground as this will hurt them. It's better to set them down gently.

Personality: Silkies Are Sweet

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. This is why they are one of the most common chickens for 4-H kids and petting zoos.

If they are used to being handled, silkies will often let you do just about anything with them. Some people even leash-train them. I have personally taught them to ride in the car and get carried around.

Silkies Can Be Very Broody

Silkie hens are often wonderful mothers. They love to sit on eggs (this is called broodiness or being broody), even ones that are fake or aren't fertile. This can be a problem if you learn to expect a lot of eggs from your silkie because she will stop laying when she is being broody.

There are various ways to break this broodiness. One option is to place the hen in a wire-bottomed cage away from the flock for several days. But often, it is better to just let her be broody and give her some eggs to hatch. The eggs can be from other chickens or even other poultry.

Those fluffy bottoms make great egg-sitters and in less than a month, you'll have cute little chicks with a beaming mama leading them around and showing them the world.

Other Silkie Information

Learn about various aspects of silkies in this section, such as the following:

• Origins
• What they're like as pets
• Molting and dust
• Relationship with bunnies
• Temperature needs

Silkie Origins

Although their origins are shrouded by time, we know they originated somewhere in China or Asia a very long time ago. They may look like a new-fangled fad breed, but silkies are one of the few ancient chicken breeds we still have around today.

It is believed that Marco Polo spoke of the silkie when he wrote about fur-covered chickens during his travels to the Far East, back in the 13th century. Those fur-covered chickens were not a rarity or novel thing back then, so we can deduce that they had most likely been around long before the 13th century. Silkies truly are an heirloom chicken breed.

Me, AlishaV

Silkies Make Wonderful Pets

Silkies make absolutely wonderful pets for most people. Their easy-going and mild personalities, in addition to their hardiness and pretty appearance, make them easy to care for.

Also, because silkies are bantams, they're small enough to easily house. In fact, I had one that lived in a rabbit cage in my house when she wasn't roaming free in the house. Children also feel comfortable with them because they are small.

Molting and Dust

Silkies, like all chickens, produce a lot of dust. They will produce dust all year long, but there are certain times when they produce more dust than others.

As you may already know, chickens produce more dust whenever they're growing in their feathers. Dust is created when the shafts protecting the feathers flake off as they grow out.

Springtime is the time of year when there is an outbreak of feather growth, but the main time for molting (losing feathers and replacing them) is in the fall. In the fall months, chickens usually replace most, if not all, of their feathers, and thus, produce lots of feather shafts which in turn flake off and produce lots of dust.

Young silkies also go through periods of molting as they grow and gain their adult feathers.

Are they rabbits or chickens?

Me, AlishaV

Bunnies and Silkies

It is sometimes difficult telling them apart, but bunnies and silkies get along great.

In the above picture, the little silkies and their rabbit pals are enjoying the nice spring weather while playing in the sunshine together.

It's best not to keep silkies and bunnies in the same cage, but they often do okay as friends outside of their cages. Care must be taken to prevent the bunnies from having to hop through the chicken poo. A wire base on the cage usually helps. You should also ensure that they will get along.

Silkies in the Sunshine: Temperature Needs

Like all chickens, silkies need some time outdoors where they can soak up the sun and eat bugs and grass.

Though their little bodies are fairly resistant to the cold, silkies are sensitive to high temperatures, so care needs to be taken to ensure they have enough cool water to drink and that they can retreat to shade if need be.

When the wether is about 100 degrees or above, they will need extra cooling. You can use a mister or a fan, but some people go the extra mile by providing air conditioning in the chicken house.

Life Cycle: From Egg to Furball

This is the life cycle of a silkie:

• Egg
• Hatchling
• Chick
• Chicken

Silkie eggs

becstarr

Silkie Eggs

Silkies lay eggs that are slightly tinted with brown. These eggs are on the small side because silkies are bantams, but they still taste just as good.

Due to the silkies' tendency to be broody, there may be interruptions in egg-laying. So if you want a chicken just for the eggs, it may be better to get an egg-producing breed, such as a White Leghorn.

Just hatched silkie chick drying off in the incubator.

Raindog

Hatching

Silkies take 21 days to hatch after an egg has started to be incubated, though there are reports of some taking a few extra days due to uneven incubator temperatures.

The chicks hatch out of their eggs slowly, pecking at the eggshell from inside using a small attachment on their beak called an egg-tooth that falls off a few days later. It is important not to help them while they are hatching since doing so can cause them to bleed to death.

Hatching is a very long process and often takes an entire day for the little one to peck a crack and then break out of the shell.

When the chicks are finally out of their shells, they are left in the incubator until they are dried and fluffy. This also helps keep them warm before they move to a box where they have chick feed, water, and a heat lamp.

Raising Chicks

They live in the new box for about 6 weeks until they have lots of feathers and can handle cooler temperatures.

Half-grown silkie

raindog

Teenage Chickens

The chicks are then moved to their new home in the coop. Depending on the outside temperature, this may be delayed until spring when it will be warmer for them.

In the coop, the silkie chicks grow and grow and reach adult size at about 3-4 months. Along the way, they get tons of new feathers and will shed their old ones, as well as leave a lot of bird dander all over the place.

Adult silkie

raindog

Sexing Silkies

Often times, you can't tell whether silkies are male or female until they start laying eggs or crowing at about 6-7 months.

Roosters usually develop a comb a bit earlier than hens do, but not always.

Silkie egg frying

raindog

Raising Silkies

Explore the following aspects of keeping silkies:

• Basic needs
• Living quarters
• Dust bathing
• Relationships with other animals
• Relationships with other chicken breeds
• Breeding

Caring for Silkies: Basic Needs

Silkies need very little care beyond what all chickens need. Their basic needs include:

• A safe, spacious place to live
• Chicken feed
• Clean, fresh water
• Dirt to scratch around in
• A safe enclosure to protect them from predators
• It is nice to pin back or trim the silkies' crests so they can see better.

They are actually surprisingly hardy considering how fancy and delicate they look.

Silkie Living Quarters

Each silkie needs about 10-square-feet in their run area and about 4-square-feet inside their coop. More space leads to fewer problems, as cramped birds will pick on each other. They don't like perching, so will often make a big fluffy pile on the floor. Beware of these piles though — if it's too cold and they burrow too much, they can suffocate.

Rabbit hutches make adequate enclosures for a couple of birds, but it is a good idea to build an attached run onto them and make sure that the bottom of the cage is not completely wire as that can irritate the birds' feet after a while.

In my experience, I added a perch and a door to a dog house and placed that inside a chain-link dog kennel for a quick and easy chicken coop. Whatever you do, remember to consider predators. There are far more predators around your house than you think.

Another idea that works well is to keep the silkies as house pets. This way you can really bond with them. Otherwise, if you already have chickens or are planning to get a flock, they can simply live in the coop with everyone else.

Dust Bathing a Silkie

Like all chickens, they need regular dust baths to keep their feathers nice and mite-free. They'll make their own spot, if allowed, near the dirt. If kept caged, it's a good idea to create a mini dirt puddle in an old box using either sand or dirt. Just be prepared—it's a messy business.

Silkie sleeping with cat

Me, AlishaV

Silkies and Other Animals

Due to the fluffiness of their crest, silkies can have a difficult time in the world. With limited vision, it's very easy for them to roam too close to predators and be surprised by an attack. The most common predators that attacks chickens are our own pets, so care should be taken.

With that said, silkies do get along well with animals that are used to chickens and will often make friends very quickly.

Silkie and dog

Me, AlishaV

Always be cautious when your silkie is near other animals. Sometimes, the seemingly friendly puppy could inadvertently go overboard when playing with your bird. One playful bite can chicken in an instant.

Don't loose a bird or get mad at your beloved dog. Supervise play time and everyone will be safe. Remember, it's your job to protect them.

Various chicks free-ranging. The little ones in the picture had all been raised together and were the best of friends.

Me, AlishaV

Silkies With Other Chicken Breeds

There's a lot of debate over whether to keep silkies with other chickens.

Silkies, with their mild personalities, passive attitudes, and impeded vision, are extremely vulnerable to bullying by other chickens. That being said, mixing chicken breeds depends on a lot of variables. How aggressive the other breeds are, the birds' individual personalities, and how much room the birds will have all influence whether or not it will be a good situation. Most breeds do fine with silkies if given enough room to avoid each other.

I have never had any problems with silkies and other breeds getting along, and have had a great many breeds with them. But if you're worried, the best way, in my experience, is to introduce chicks of other breeds to your adult or half-grown silkies. You may have to protect the chicks for a while until they're accepted as part of the flock.

Breeding Silkies

Silkies are generally as easy to raise as other breeds of chickens, but there are a couple differences.

The most important difference is dealing with the poofy feathers. The feathers can get in the way of a hen and a roo, so it's best to trim back any feathers to make sure the rooster can make contact and leave his deposit.

Another difference is that it's okay, and even preferable, to have a few more roos per hen. One rooster per 3-4 hens is a good ratio. Often silkie roosters get along with each other fairly well, so it's not too much of a hardship, and their slightly lower fertility rates are offset with an extra rooster or two.

The roosters often make good daddies anyway, and the extra rooster can help watch the chicks too.

A beautiful, fluffy crest.

Snapper

Learn More About Silkies

Silkies are very popular and there are numerous groups devoted solely to them, as well as some that are about bantam chickens or all chickens. For more about raising, breeding, or showing, check out the groups below.

Joining a group allows you to read advice from other silkie owners, lets you know exactly what to expect, and gives you a place to talk about these wonderful little birds. Some groups are solely online, others are by mail, and a few are groups that regularly meet.

U.S. Groups

• The American Silkie Bantam Club is the original Silkie Club in the US. The ASBC is a large group devoted to raising and breeding silkies. Show breeders and pet breeders both find a place in this organization.
• American Silkie Bantam Discussion Group is a free email list. The list includes members from Europe, Australia, and a few other places. Participation in the discussion group is free to any silkie fancier registered with the discussion group, not just American Silkie Bantam Club members. Silkie fanciers of all degrees of knowledge and expertise are welcome. The list includes a large number of show breeders as well as those who keep them solely as pets.
• National Silkie Breeders Association

European Groups

• The Silkie and Poland Club of Germany Good photos, breeders list, contact information, and lovely sketches. Be sure to check out the website of the club secretary, Friedel Schwager. It is listed further down the page under "Great Silkie Sites From Around the World."

Australian Groups

• Silkie Club of Australia, Inc., has no official web page. However, the link is to an "unofficial" page with some useful information about silkie breeders in Australia and the Silkie Club of Australia. To contact them write c/o Secretary, Sue Scott: 6 Colville Rd; Yellow Rock, Australia 2777 or email them at .

General Groups

• Silkie Breeders Yahoo Group is for breeders and exhibitors. This list is for serious silkie breeders and people interested in exhibition.
• The Awesome Silkie Bantam Chat is a large friendly list with an extensive archive. This group is a good source of information for beginners.

Poultry Shows

A Blue Ribbon for this young silkie pair.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Questions & Answers

Question: How long do silkie chickens live?

Answer: Most silkie chickens live 7-9 years, but they sometimes live longer with extra care.

Question: At what age do Belgian Splash silkies get their spots?

Answer: I've never heard of a Belgian Splash Silkie. It might be a new type or perhaps a mixed breed. There is another breed of chicken called Belgian d'Uccles. They are very small and have feathered feet, but their feathers are smooth, not furry like Silkies. One of the most popular feather patterns of d'Uccles is called Mille Fleur and it sort of looks like a dramatic splash of dark brown and white splatters on a base of light, reddish brown. I'm sure someone somewhere is making a cute mixed breed by combining them with Silkies, but I haven't seen it. Both Splash Silkies and Mille Fleur d'Uccles will develop more of a pattern after their first molt.

Question: What animals are competitive to the Silkie breed?

Answer: Silkies are unique. There is no other chicken just like them. If you are looking for another type that is gentle and broody, you might check out d'Uccles as they are a very sweet breed as well.

Question: What is the best way for children to hold chickens?

Answer: It is best to hand the chicken to the children, as picking them up can startle them and is a better job for adults who can know where to grab and when to let go. Only do this with tame chickens at first to get used to it. Stand beside the chicken and place one palm on each side of the chicken's body. Lift. Press her back against your chest with one hand, then use the other to slot a finger on either side of her legs. Hold onto her legs with that one hand as you sort of tuck her under the arm of at hand. The arm will hold her, while the hand holding her legs will keep the legs from raking you. Show the child how you are holding the chicken, then slowly transfer. Smaller kids can hold the chicken against their chest and just hold their legs, but it leaves the chicken's beak awfully close to the child's face. Most people carry chickens upside down by their legs as chickens sort of go to sleep when flipped upside down quickly, but I don't like having kids carry them that way as chicken's legs are delicate and kids might hurt them.

Question: When do Silkies start laying eggs? My hen is about 8 months old and still hasn’t laid an egg.

Answer: Silkies usually start laying around 6 months, but all egg laying is influenced by the seasons. Nature makes chickens lay more in the spring and less in the heat of summer or the cold of winter. This can be a problem for us if we get new chicks in the spring and then autumn comes and makes them not lay just when they were about to start. You can make your chickens think it is spring all year long and encourage egg-laying by providing supplemental light to increase the "daylight" to 12 hours a day. Also, make sure there is always plenty of food as shortages can also impact egg-laying. Other stressors, such as nearby predators will as well. Another possible cause for not finding eggs is that chickens are excellent at hiding eggs, so it's not uncommon to think they aren't laying, but really there's just a pile of them somewhere unexpected.

Question: How did you train your silkies?

Answer: Chickens respond well to training when they get food treats after they do their tricks. Clicker-training, like the kind used on dogs, is also effective. Start small by asking the Silkie to do something it would want to do anyway, then when it does it swiftly click your clicker and give it a small treat. Keep doing that until it associates the clicking sound with getting a treat. After that, the sky is the limit. Most chickens will do anything to get a treat, and if that means jumping when you say so or even doing weave poles, the Silkie will soon learn to do it. Because Silkies have such puffy faces though make sure they can see well before you begin since if they can't see what you want them to do, they can't do it. There are some really good training videos on YouTube with people training chickens. Definitely check them out before you get started.

Question: I brought home a new silkie rooster and two silkie chickens and put them in my coop. I already had one silkie chicken. This morning my rooster did not crow. Why is he not crowing?

Answer: Some Silkie roosters don't crow much. It just depends on their personality. Also, because it's a new space, he may be reluctant to claim it as his own yet. Eventually he should start crowing at least a little. But he may not.

Question: What are the causes of vestibular disease in Silkie chickens?

Answer: Silkies have a unique skull structure. It is called a vaulted skull. Their skull projects upward instead of being as rounded as most animals' skulls. This gives them a more beautiful crest, but can also be a source of danger. Chickens peck each other, and as we all know, pecks can hurt and draw blood. When a Silkie is pecked at the right spot on its head, it can cause brain damage, leaving the Silkie unsteady, off-balance, walking in circles, or with its head cocked to the side. Sometimes it even kills the Silkie. It is not uncommon for Silkies to have this happen, but luckily chickens have great recuperating powers, and if helped to eat and drink, eventually they will usually recover.

Question: Do Silkie chickens scratch?

Answer: All chickens scratch. It's part of being a chicken.

Question: What would cause a 9-month-old silkie chicken to suddenly not be able to walk or stand? It eats and drinks and doesn't have diarrhea.

Answer: There are numerous reasons your chicken might be unable to stand or walk. With their vaulted skulls, Silkies have exceptionally delicate heads. This means that if they get pecked in the head it can cause them to have enough damage that they lose their balance or can't stand. There's also something called Marek's Disease that causes balance loss and paralysis. It is most often evident when the chicken has a twisted neck and a low-hanging head. If you can, get your chicken to the vet. But if you are unable to do so ensure she keeps eating and drinking well since not being able to get to their food and water is usually what ends up killing them and more water may help flush potentially-paralyzing bacteria from their systems. Many times chickens are able to start moving over time as their bodies do a good job at recovering.

Question: At what age can you start to determine the sex of a chick? What characteristics do you look for?

Answer: It depends on the breed. Some breeds of chickens are sex-link, which means the males and females look different from birth. Some people can look at the wing feathers in newborn chicks and use those to determine male and female. Neither of those work for Silkies.

In other breeds the sexual characteristics are more muted and hard to notice. Silkies are one of those breeds. Male and female Silkies tend to look very much alike far longer than other breeds of chickens. You might not notice much difference for several months. Males tend to get a comb earlier and be a little more aggressive, but since even adult Silkies don't exhibit those traits as much as other chicken breeds, it can be hard to notice.

Just remember, usually chicken genders are about 50-50, so if you have four chickens, probably two are pullets and two are cockerels.

Question: How many eggs do silkies lay each month?

Answer: Silkies, like other chickens, tend to lay more during spring and summer. During these times they'll likely lay about 20 eggs a month depending on the hen, her genetics, and whether she is happy or stressed by heat. The average over the year (with heat/light during the winter) would probably be about 15 eggs a month.

Question: What is the average age of a Rooster when he's ready to start breeding? We had two young silkie roosters that competed with crowing so we sold one, but now the other has stopped crowing all together. Why is that?

Answer: About 6 months is the average age of sexual maturity for chickens. Males can possibly breed earlier and Silkies tend to fully mature a little later, but that's about average. If you aren't in a hurry, I'd wait until 7 or 8 months to incubate any eggs. Also, remember that Silkies have fluffy butts that impede contact, you may have to trim the feathers a little to make sure they get a good connection.

Roosters crow for many reasons, one of which is competition. Each one was trying to outdo the other to show that they were the top rooster and determine flock hierarchy. Without hearing another rooster the one you have may not feel the need to show off as much. Silkies tend not to crow quite as much as some other breeds, but he will probably crow more as he gets older and more sexually mature.

Question: What antibiotic ointment can be used in Silkie eyes? I have an issue with the eyes closed & brown discharge. I washed with water, and it helped, but I heard ointment is good to use as well.

Answer: Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment is often used for eye infections in chickens, but I believe it is no longer over-the-counter. Regular Neosporin (without pain reliever) will work. While it says on the package not to get in eyes, it was actually recommended to me by an eye doctor and has the same ingredients as the one for eyes. With Silkies, it's also important to trim their feathers around their eyes as that is usually the cause of the infection. Also, keep them away from dusty bedding and be wary of chickens attacking them while their eyes are hurt.

Question: Splash is a colour type of Silkie , blue splash is black splashes on light grey; Paint is black on white?

Answer: Possibly, it depends on how the black is laid out on the white. It could be cuckoo (barred) or mottled (random splashes) or paint. There are a few other feather patterns as well. Also, feather colors are described differently in different countries, so what they call something here in the U.S. may be called something else somewhere else. Here is a neat little pdf from a Dutch breeder on paints: http://www.chickencolours.com/Translation%20Dutch%...

Question: Do older Silkies still get broody even when they don’t lay anymore?

Answer: Some do. It all depends upon the Silkie's individual personality.

Question: How many body parts does a silkie have?

Answer: How many body parts total? In that case it would be similar to how many you have give or take some unique, species-only pieces. If you mean like when someone is cutting up a frying chicken, it would be the same as any other chicken--wings, thighs, breast, drumsticks.

Question: I have a grey silkie about three years old, I've noticed she has a large growth or lump on the top of her head, what could this be?

Answer: Silkies have skulls that are different than most other chickens. It is called a vaulted skull and makes their topknot feathers fluffier. It leaves them with a skull that is a bit open on top and so it is easier to damage through other birds pecking on them or even just being born with a cerebral hernia. Always make sure other chickens are not picking on silkies as they are easier to injure due to this trait.

Question: My silkie (grey) has a beak which is starting to go a bit red and a bit of a wattle (I think?) forming underneath. Does this sound like I’ve been sold a male or should I be concerned about a health condition?

Answer: That is normal.

© 2009 Alisha Vargas

Mary Jo S on June 28, 2020:

I have 3 silkies that are now almost 13 weeks old and i am trying to figure out if anyone can tell if they are hens or roosters. I don't see a way to post my photos, if anyone knows how to post the photo, let me know.

Alisha Vargas (author) from Reno, Nevada on February 25, 2020:

I'm not sure what is causing the problem. It's unlikely to be the roosters. If they hurt the girls it is usually by scrapping their sides and cutting them. If they seem okay but are just dying, it is probably something else.

Sometimes predators will scare them to death, even just by walking around the coop. There should be signs though. Look for animal tracks.

Another possibility is a disease. Do they have snotty noses or coughs? Act partially paralyzed? Seizures could be from a head injury or Sudden Death Syndrome. Dark or bloody poops mean they might have coccidiosis. There are a lot of diseases though. If you are in the United States and it happens again you can have a necropsy (autopsy) done to test for diseases.

Alisha Vargas (author) from Reno, Nevada on February 25, 2020:

Thanks!

Alisha Vargas (author) from Reno, Nevada on February 25, 2020:

Thanks! They tend to get their feathers ripped out when mated or other chickens pick at them. They have goo at the feed store to help prevent the feather picking.

As for house chickens, it's actually a pretty popular thing, especially with Silkies since so many creatures like to eat them. Most people use a diaper. Check out the page about keeping house chickens: https://discover.hubpages.com/animals/housechicken

Alisha Vargas (author) from Reno, Nevada on February 25, 2020:

Aww, glad to see they love you.

Edilia on January 16, 2020:

Hi, my name is Edilia , this is my first in this block , I don’t know much English , but I will try my best to explain my self.

I’m a silkie lower, I have been raising them for about four year , and I feel very happy , but there is something that make me very sad , two years ago I found my best buff hen dead in the coop, there was two other hen and a rooster , all silkies , I so that the rooster kill her , because he act so means whith the hens when he wants to mate whith them , I give him away.

A few months ago it happen the same thing whith a diferent rooster , I give him away too.

Two day ago it happen again , I found a beautiful paint hen sitiing on the floar , I took her , didn’t move , while I was holding her she start shaking and died. All those three hens was perfectly healthy, night before they whent to the coop happily whith the rest of the flock, my coop is a 8 by 10 all wired , half covered , pedractors proof, and I never have more than five hens whith a rooster in the same coop.

All the cases happen whith diferents hen and roosters , diferents floks , diferents coops , all of them raises by me thing littles chicks.

I feel very frustrated, even is I love them very much , Do they for some reason that I don’t know can kill each other ?

I’m so frustrated that I’m thinking to give them away!

May some can help me please!

Diane Dobreuenaski on September 27, 2019:

Love your site, has great info and pics

Caroline on September 05, 2019:

Nice blog! We have one Silkie at present and she is losing her feathers on her head. Do you know why this is happening? She is looking like a small turkey. Also, how do you keep your Silkie in the house--does she wear a diaper? Thanks so much for all this information.

Thomas on March 06, 2019:

My silkies are pets and follow me, and they let me rub their back.

sayed Akhlaq on August 04, 2018:

what is the scale of feed for silkie (age wise)

Chook on October 13, 2017:

I like silkies they stay fluffy for life!

I have silkies all cross bread (all my 33 chickens are, apart from two iser browns.) Ones grey with a black head looks and like a tiny emu.

Magicality LM on October 02, 2014:

I have a few. They are awesome, unique and really sturdy animals!

RANADEEP on August 16, 2013:

This is a very good and informatiove,anyway I would like to have some oneday,thank you for sharing this

great article!!

Alisha Vargas (author) from Reno, Nevada on April 18, 2013:

@anonymous: That's wonderful that you were able to save her! She might have pulled her feathers out or is a mixed breed. Either way, she sounds cute!

anonymous on April 18, 2013:

Do silkies ever NOT have feathers on their legs? My son found a juvenile chicken/turkey-like bird, alone on the side of the road at night. White feathers with black skin, gray/black beak and legs, 5 toes, poofy tail - but no leg feathers. Cutest thing, friendly, and needs attention! Thank you!

dawnsnewbeginning on November 22, 2012:

Nice lens! We used to have a black one named Elvis.

rooshoo on November 08, 2012:

So soft. Must pet. Great lens!

SandraWilson LM on October 31, 2012:

Nice lens. You put a lot of work into it.

LaurenIM on September 07, 2012:

I want one!

Spiderlily321 on September 05, 2012:

Adorable! I never knew about silkies. Great lens. Thanks for sharing!

casquid on September 05, 2012:

Sometimes I run across a show that has these silky chickens on them. Nice that you have put together so much interesting dialogue about them. Thanks!

anonymous on September 05, 2012:

Very cute! I've never seen chickens like these before. I wish they laid bigger eggs though.

cmadden on September 04, 2012:

Furry chickens - so cool!

BeadCatz on July 11, 2012:

Great lens!! You did such a good job and I love Silkies. I always have at least one in my flock.

IntoMars LM on July 04, 2012:

Wow, thank you for using your skills to put together this awesome lense! :)

BeadCatz on July 03, 2012:

I love Silkies and they have always been a part of our flocks.

microfarmproject on May 17, 2012:

Enjoyed reading your lens. Thanks!

Laurel Johnson from Washington KS on March 19, 2012:

Loved the lens and learning about Silkies.

Beautiful breed.

Nancy Carol Brown Hardin from Las Vegas, NV on March 19, 2012:

I love this lens. These little Silkies are just adorable, and you cover the subject very well. Blessed.

Li-Li-ThePinkBookworm on March 19, 2012:

Terrific lens. My friend used to have three silkies and I always thought they were adorable. I especially liked their black/blue skin. You created a great and informational lens, keep it up!

Li Li

Jillynn on March 19, 2012:

Very thorough lens. Happy Chicken Day and well done!

JEMArtistry on March 19, 2012:

Great lens! Silkies are adorable. When I was a kid, we raised chickens. My favorite then was PJ. He was a pajama rooster, very cute. I'm not sure if they is the correct name but that's what we called him because he had a bif tuft of feathers on his head and his legs. :)

Shorebirdie from San Diego, CA on February 15, 2012:

I love Silkies and Polish chickens, too. I think we can't keep bantams in our city, though, only standard size or bigger.

Renaissance Woman from Colorado on December 30, 2011:

I never knew about silkies until just now. They are gorgeous! Thank you for teaching me about this variety of chicken. Appreciated!

queen2010 on December 04, 2011:

nice lens, I like it, please see my lens and comment if its okay, 'smile'

Alexandra Douglas from Florida on November 27, 2011:

Silkies are the best! I breed them on the ranch and they are described as fluffy poodles. Just silly birds!

Magicality LM on November 23, 2011:

I'm getting 3 red silkies this evening ... i'm excited ;-)

MustangHistory on September 23, 2011:

These look sweet.

modernstead on February 20, 2011:

sooooooo cute! Well done.

EmmaCooper LM on October 15, 2010:

Lovely lens!

Magicality LM on October 04, 2010:

These look like fun!

caninefashion1226 on August 26, 2010:

They are sooooo adorable!!! I didn't know that these adorable little chickens are called silkies. Great lens! Thanks for sharing a lot of great info about them, keep it up. :)

Bellezza-Decor from Canada on January 21, 2010:

Wonderful looking Chickens. I think I want a Silkie now! Ah, just have to get a little acreage first though.

anonymous on December 07, 2009:

I'm doing a project for art...I have to design a chicken coop for an off-the-grid backyard...and I really really like this kind of chicken (especially after reading your lens) but I'm not sure how they'd be useful for anything other than showing (I'd rather not kill them since they are soooo cute and plus...I'm a vegetarian...even though it's just an art project involving no real chickens.) so I was wondering if you had any suggestions...or maybe you know of another kind of chicken that would be more useful? you can email me at thanks :)

backyardchickencoops on November 05, 2009:

Sweet Tweets nice, I have to say I have seen pictures of these types of chickens before, but I never knew the name of the breed. I really like the way these chickens look, I guess this breed of chicken makes for a great house pet. You have some great recipes here, information on building a Chicken Coop.

GrowWear on August 29, 2009:

Nice resource on Silkies. They are beautiful.

How often does a Silkie lay an egg?

How long does it take for a Silkie chicken to lay an egg?

What color egg's do Silkies lay?

How many eggs a week do Silkies lay?