snowchick Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 Hi 2nd day in for our chickens and they have come out of the coop and are pecking around in the run. The silkie looks like a punk!!! so funny! They are drinking a lot and I just pulled some blades of grass up from the lawn and put that in and wow!! they love it!!! I called the lady who we had them from to order 3 more and it's going to be 20 weeks which I am gutted about as I wanted them ASAP. She said as it's such a nice day I should close the door on the coop to let them ferret about a bit and get used to being outside, as they are a bit wary of coming out. This is normal though she told me. I am meant to be working and have just wasted an hour outside Anyone know of anywhere I can get a blue or gold silkie at 20 weeks, without waiting 20 weeks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 You have to be careful with blades of grass in much the same way as with hay. If they are very long, they can ball up in the hens innards and cause an impacted crop. The design of the hen's digestive system means that they are OK taking little pecks out of grass and other plants, as the grit in their gizzard will grind it down into a digestible form. The grit isn't enough to grind down long strands though. Just thought I'd mention it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moochoo Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 Have you tried the Wernlas collection? www.wernlas.com They seemed to have a few silkies when we were there last. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowchick Posted February 12, 2008 Author Share Posted February 12, 2008 Oooh thanks so much for that I wasn't aware of that with grass - would it be best to put in a roll of turf so they could pick what they want when they can't free-range? I had them from Wernlas anyway, but they are just so busy that they have sold most of their 20 week stock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 Oooh thanks so much for that I wasn't aware of that with grass - would it be best to put in a roll of turf so they could pick what they want when they can't free-range?: yep, as long as the grass isn't too long. We grew some turf in our greenhouse for ours when we first got them, they soon devoured it. It must have been quite sweet and tender with it being new grass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 Oooh thanks so much for that I wasn't aware of that with grass - would it be best to put in a roll of turf so they could pick what they want when they can't free-range? Definitely...they will go mad for it!.....It won't last long though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...