The Silkies Move Outdoors to a New Coop

March 18, 2022

The Silkies Move Outdoors to a New Coop

My Silkies are so happy in their new enclosure.

Earlier this month, I shared images of my cute, fluffy, and very healthy Silkies - 11 chicks that were incubated and hatched right here at my farm, and four adolescent Silkies - all purchased from this year's 2022 Northeastern Poultry Congress, a large poultry show held every year in Springfield, Massachusetts. Upon arrival, they were housed in my stable feed room, where we set up safe, warm brooders. This week, they were all big enough and strong enough to move into a new coop I acquired, refurbished, and repurposed from a recent commercial shoot - it's the perfect Silkie home here at my farm.

Enjoy these photos.

: The new coop arrived safely at my Bedford, New York farm in several pieces. Here, my outdoor grounds crew move the unit to its new location in one corner of the peafowl pen outside my stable. I knew it was the perfect size for the young Silkies.

: The coop’s original walls were bright blue, so once it was reassembled, Fernando painted it my signature Bedford Gray. It is already looking so much better.

: The roof is made from sturdy galvanized steel.

: And the coop comes complete with ramps so the chicks can walk up and down easily from their heated space to the outdoors.

: Here is a view of the entire coop – the side boxes will later serve as nests for the hens. The tops open for easy access to eggs.

: And here is Dawa transporting the chicks and pullets to their new enclosure. Dawa helps me care for all my outdoor birds – the chickens, geese, peafowl, and pigeons, and he does an excellent job.

: As part of the set-up, the floor is lined with wood shavings, the chick feeders are filled with organic feed, the water receptacles are filled with cool, fresh water, and the special heat lamps are in place.

: At first the chicks are a bit unsure of their surroundings, huddling together in one corner.

: But after a few minutes, they’re eager to explore the space. Silkies were originally bred in China. Silkie chickens are known for their characteristically fluffy plumage said to feel like silk or satin to the touch. This one is a beautiful gray Silkie.

: Perhaps these two are discussing the new coop – I know you’re going to love it here my little Silkies.

: These chicks will eat, drink, and run around for four to six months before they start laying eggs. When they do start laying, the eggs are small and grow larger as the pullet, or young chicken, grows larger.

: This is a white Silkie chick, a white egg layer. There are eight Silkie color varieties accepted by the American Poultry Association. They include black, blue, buff, gray, partridge, splash, and white.

: Notice, Silkies have black eyes. Silkies also have black skin, along with black muscles and bones, and dark beaks, combs, and wattles. And, Silkies have extra toes, a genetic condition called polydactyly. Most chickens normally have four toes – a few breeds have five, Silkies among them.

: Silkies grow a bit slower than other chicken breeds. This one is growing a pretty fluffy head – hard to see its comb. The combs of Silkie chickens are very dark maroon red. Both male and female chickens have combs, but they’re larger in males. Baby chicks hatch with tiny combs that get larger as they mature.

: All my chicks get a balanced diet of medicated chick crumb with some treats and fresh greens from my gardens.

: Silkies have docile natures and tend to be less rowdy than other breeds. These chicks love peeping and walking around their new coop – it didn’t take them long to learn how to use their ramps.

: The indoor area is long enough for all the Silkies to use at night. Doors will keep them fully enclosed and protected from predators.

: These four older Silkies are doing very well also. Here, one can see their grayish-blue beaks, which are short and quite broad at the base.

: Because the Silkie’s feathers lack functioning barbicels, similar to down on other birds, they are unable to fly, but they do flap and stretch their wings.

: If you think you may be interested in raising chickens, research the town’s zoning regulations first to make sure they are allowed in your area. And spend some time reading about what’s involved in raising chickens to make sure it’s a good fit for you and your family.

: This one is actually a rooster – he’s starting to make his “cock-a-doodle-do” crowing noise. He is the biggest in the group and is very curious and friendly. Other differing characteristics between males and females – female Silkies will keep their bodies more horizontally positioned, while males will stand more upright, keeping their chests forward and their necks elongated. Males will also hold their tail more upright, where females will keep it horizontal or slightly dipped toward the ground.

: Here is a view from the side – this day temperatures reached nearly 70-degrees Fahrenheit. It was a gorgeous day to introduce our Silkies to their new coop. They will have lots of room.