![]() For more information about our exhibition type Silkie chickens, visit our Cackle Hatchery blog. For current shipping dates, see our availability chart. We hatch and deliver Silkies weekly from February through August. To ensure receiving the variety of your choice, you can order as early as November. ![]() Our Silkies also have the breed’s characteristic five toes and walnut comb. They are small in size, as well as having a profuse beard and top crest. Exhibition Silkie bantams weigh about 2 pounds at maturity.Īt Cackle Hatchery® our Silkie bantams come from show-quality bloodlines bred to APA and ABA standards. These market Silkies weigh 3 to 5 pounds and dress to 2 pounds. However, because of their broody nature, egg production slows significantly as hens age.Ī little known fact is that a larger type of non-bearded Silkie is sometimes sold as a meat bird. They typically produce a few small cream-colored eggs each week. Silkies are not, strictly speaking, a laying breed. Compared to larger breeds, Silkies are easy keepers that eat less and require less space. They make a great option for anyone interested in breeding ornamental chickens to hatch under Silkie hens. Silkie hens are broody and attentive mothers. Because Silkies are small, friendly, and love cuddling, they are a great breed for children. They are therefore perfect for the small backyard flock. They are naturally calm and affectionate. Today they are among the most beloved ornamental breeds in the world. Silkie bantams originated hundreds of years ago in ancient China. Their soft, beautiful feathers make this breed a popular choice both as a pet and for exhibition. So, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy from someone that isn’t certified.Silkie chickens get their name from their trademark fluffy plumage that feels like silk to the touch. It’s not a legal requirement though, and obviously local sellers will not part of the NPIP. It shows they are actively testing and treating their birds, which gives me some added confidence that they are operating a humane and professional business. I like buying from breeders who have earned their NPIP certificate. It’s a voluntary certification poultry breeders can opt in to demonstrate they are testing and vaccinating their flock against various diseases. NPIP stands for the National Poultry Improvement Plan. They grow up so quickly! Does a Breeder Need to Be NPIP Certified? The Silkie Chickens Farm is a local family-run Chicken Farm that has been producing delicious fresh products and hosting a variety of fun activities since 2000. ![]() The rest is down to you to keep an eye on them and make sure they’re happy, healthy, and developing properly.Įnjoy these moments when they are cute little balls of fluff. Aim for at least half an sq ft per chick, Space - Chicks love huddling up and playing with each other, but they also need plenty of space to roam about and be free. ![]() See also Chicken Hatchery Georgia: List of Places to Buy Chickens You can start tapering off from there each week until they are able to live in the temperature where you live. Chicks need to be in temperatures around 90-95 for their first week or so. Heat - You’ll need to provide some artificial heat. It should be easily obtainable and changed each day. While you’re free to pick up your package at their Brooklyn, CT facility when you purchase in small quantities, they’ll only deliver to your doorstep if your order includes a minimum of 100 quantities. Water - It’s essential that you provide fresh drinking water for your chicks to sip on. What’s more, for a small fee of 0.20 per chick, Burr Farm will vaccinate your chicks against Marek’s disease. Chicks eat starter food for the first 8 weeks or so, it’s also worth asking what the seller you’re buying from recommends. Here are the basics you need to be prepared for their arrival:įood - You need food for them of course. Looking after baby chicks is way more rewarding than it is difficult. The cons are that you can’t see them live before making a decision, and you don’t have the support and point of contact of a local breeder. The pros of using an online hatchery are that you have access to loads more breeds of chicks and can buy them at various stages and ages. Two of the largest online hatcheries I’m aware of - both with a great reputation - are Strombergs Chickens and Cackle Hatchery. If you can’t find a hatchery near to you or you can’t get to see chicks live for any reason, you can always buy online. See also List of Chicken Hatcheries in Washington | Chicks for Sale
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