Guest Posted May 13, 2007 Share Posted May 13, 2007 I agree they look very 'big bird' type characters - but I am concerned about any health issues that might arise with a bird that can't see - and would need constant hair cuts. - And are they really leading a quality life? I have no idea. Please don't anyone take this as a criticism of any breed of poultry or animal - it is not written as such. Having lost one of my Pekins, and feeling a bit raw, I just want to ensure as much as anyone can, that where possible the breeds are robust. Which Pekins are - Freckles was just unlucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted May 13, 2007 Share Posted May 13, 2007 Just to whet the appetite,here is a picture of Treacle my grown up Golden Silkie. She still has not layed,& in fact might be a he,but is lovely either way Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 13, 2007 Share Posted May 13, 2007 Yes a Silkie is on my list - probably one of the miniatures but wont decide until I see the colours. The breeder was telling me that Silkies are hard to sex, as their combs are often so small - but if I do accidentally get any cockerells she will take them back - (by which time I will be attached to them or it no doubt) but the neighbours won't be We are off out to the North Norfolk coast for a walk and lunch - maybe a very long lunch as it has just started tipping it down with rain - so the only walk will be to the bar and back methinks Looking at the breeders photo of the cock on the left and then hen, 'it' does look suspicously like a 'he' with those big wattles. Does he make a lot of noise? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 13, 2007 Share Posted May 13, 2007 Looking at the breeders photo of the cock on the left and then hen, 'it' does look suspicously like a 'he' with those big wattles. ....and the chunkier "physique"! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted May 13, 2007 Share Posted May 13, 2007 .....I've sort of limited myself to one more when the Cube arrives.... That sounds far too restrained for you, Jaime. I'm sure we can talk you into a few more while you're awaiting the Cube. Dilly, they're all so lovely, and I think the buff orps. are a definite ,as you say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaime Posted May 13, 2007 Share Posted May 13, 2007 Only one more - and I'm unanimous in that. The problem will be getting them all looked after when I go on holidays Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted May 13, 2007 Share Posted May 13, 2007 Well if you have 5 chickens, 10 chickens or 2. They still need looking after when on holiday. I would get 4 more if I were you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted May 13, 2007 Share Posted May 13, 2007 Christian encouraging others for more and more chickens, honestly! So, when are you getting your piggies then! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted May 13, 2007 Share Posted May 13, 2007 As soon as Jase is away and leaves my credit card behind It always goes missing when he is on a trip and i'm at home! Can't work out why???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted May 13, 2007 Share Posted May 13, 2007 Looking at the breeders photo of the cock on the left and then hen, 'it' does look suspicously like a 'he' with those big wattles. Does he make a lot of noise? Not a peep,funnily enough I don't know what to think, really.Its a funny chicken - very lazy,never scratches about Time will tell,I guess! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golden Silkie Posted May 13, 2007 Share Posted May 13, 2007 SILKIE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 13, 2007 Share Posted May 13, 2007 Only one more - and I'm unanimous in that. Might be easier to have two more Jaime.....one on its own might be picked on mercilessly. Having two would dilute it a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted May 13, 2007 Share Posted May 13, 2007 ooh - the silkie looks very cute! So sorry to hear about Freckles. My girls are very much enjoying your run convertor, I managed to get round to putting it together yesterday, haven't have time to do the extension bit yet but they look much happier in the extra space. It looks a bit empty with only two chickens in, though ... might have to add a third! I do like the black mottled chicken actually, but not as much as the silkie or the Plymouth Rocks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 13, 2007 Share Posted May 13, 2007 Thanks Olly - and you chickens will love the extra space and head room - believe you me. I even put a piece of dowling across at a high point and mine loved to sit on it watching the world go by! I will let you know which ones I choose. In fact our three oldest grandchildren will be having some input too - I have emailed them photos. Our youngest grandaughter came on the phone an hour or so ago, and they had read my website about Freckles. She is only five, and asked to speak to me, and sounded really upset. She also said, 'When my big sister comes home tonight and I tell her she will be really upset'. Bless her - they only saw them once a month or so. I told her I would send some photos and they could help choose, and said they would be photos of the mummies. So she asked, in that breathless little voice they have at that age, 'Will the mummies lay the egg and then crack it open so they can take out the baby?' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted May 13, 2007 Share Posted May 13, 2007 How cute! Cinnamon - Your silkie does look very much like a he to me! Maybe you could try incubating a selection of your eggs? Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 13, 2007 Share Posted May 13, 2007 Sarah, your silkie looks like a 'he' to me Dear! Silkies are lovely, but they can be a tad lazy and love to brood - great if you want them to, but not so much fun when the others want a nest to lay in! I'd have a buff pencillled tail pekin and a bantie orp, Phil wants the Barbu D'ucccle. Much as I love our dotty Dolly, I wouldn't have another poland as the hair is quite high maintenance. Because mine free-range., her hair is always needing a wash; to be as immaculate as the lovely one in your photo, I'd imagine that they need to be kept indoors. I'll PM you my secret Dilly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 13, 2007 Share Posted May 13, 2007 OK I might pass on the Silkie and 'Big Bird' - and I liked the ones you mentioned. Will have to see what the grandchildren come up with. Secret - what secret Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 Sarah, your silkie looks like a 'he' to me Dear! Ho Hum, I had an inkling it was a he Never mind...the chap we got him from said if it turned out to be a boy he would swap him for a hen. I will think about it again after the Hols,I think (unless anyone out there wants a nice Silkie Boyl???) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 Sorry, Hon, not keen on them myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 Can't have boy - the neighbours wouldn't like the noise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 Which 4 would you choose Porcelain, lavender, silver - barbu whatsit ) bantam Silkie baby Buff pencil tailed pekin bantam Buff orpington bantam Sarah is your Silkie quiet? He/she is pretty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 3 out of 4 I think - I would like a silkie but hearing tales that they might go broody a lot might change my mind or might now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom and Barbara Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 just caught this REALLY late - but i'd pick the chamois for one - we have one affectionately called 'blind stupid one' and they're just gorgeous, fab temprement........if only because they have no idea you're there until you pick them up. also a fan of silkies and the porcelain d'uccle whassit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 Just when I thought I had decided you come along and change my mind. So you have not problem with silkies being very broody then? And what about the Chamois hairdo. Mine freerange - and when they are in their big pen, it is open to the elements (but with netting on top to keep out the wild birds obviously. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 Shall I bring Dolly for you to borrow on loan Dilly? She's a nutter and I love her, but you should see the state of her hair after all the rain we've had. The great Terry Beebe is a breeder and shower of Polands, have a look at his site http://www.regencypoultry.com - I think there's a link to his chook site on there. He's a great bloke and happy to have a chat and give advice. It was Terry who got me onto using Stalosan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
