kittyl Posted July 3, 2012 Share Posted July 3, 2012 I'm looking into which would be the gentlest breed to live with Giblet who's mostly blind. She's 6 weeks old now, her mum has almost given up so she's living mostly indoors with a heat pad & feather duster-mum until she's fully feathered. Then she needs a companion that wont mind staying in a run with her. A silkie was suggested as they're good natured, also a Poland because they dont see too well either. I've no personal experience of these breeds, any suggestions? Giblet is a brahma bantam. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dance in the dark Posted July 3, 2012 Share Posted July 3, 2012 (edited) So sad to hear about poor giblet, but if you can keep her safe and she can get around it'll be fine. When I was reading this I was actually thinking Polish or Silkie, before you mentioned them for the same reasons you mentioned. I have not kept either, but from what I know, both are lovely breeds but I think a silkie might be better. Again, this is not personal experience, but they aren't fliers, or jumpers really, and seem less likely to either peck, or startle your blind hen due to their docile and friendly nature. Also, silkies don't need much space, so they are perfect for keeping in runs. for a silkie it would really need to be a covered run, but by covered I mean, shower curtain so it's not much bother. Hope this helps. Tim Edited July 19, 2012 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted July 3, 2012 Share Posted July 3, 2012 I should imagine a poland would be fine; I've never met a bad tempered one However, you absolutely must provide a covered run to keep her crest dry (she it will go out and get wet anyway, but she should have somewhere to dry out) and a narrow lipped drinker is best so she doesn't keep getting her hair wet However,my biggest concern is finding a breeder who is able to sex the birds at such a young age, its really difficult although some people do get it right (not me ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kittyl Posted July 3, 2012 Author Share Posted July 3, 2012 Yes they will definately have shelter, I make too much fuss of my hens the main run is wrapped up like a parcel to protect them from this horrible weather, although they usually choose to go out in the rain anyway! I suppose sexing a poland is nearly as hard as a silkie then? I did wonder if a slightly older silkie would be tolerant with Giblet, as they're supposed to be quite maternal? that way I'd be more likely to get a hen. I already have a cockerel, dont want to cause arguements by getting another! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 A Silkie would be perfect Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kittyl Posted July 5, 2012 Author Share Posted July 5, 2012 I'm hoping to take Giblet with me next week to check out an intro to a silkie friend. If a hen will take to her, that will be perfect. Its sad watching her talking to a feather duster! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted July 5, 2012 Share Posted July 5, 2012 As an owner of both Polands and Silkies I'd say go for a Silkie in this instance. Polands do fly and though they can't see all that well because of their hair do, even the banties are 'big hens' in small bodies and like plenty of space. Silkies on the other hand are rather spaced out, don't seem to need a lot of room and are very maternal. If you get one of these she will probably not only look after little Giblet but the feather duster as well. Oh and they lay the most delicious creamy / pink . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kittyl Posted July 5, 2012 Author Share Posted July 5, 2012 Thankyou all for the advice, I think its a silkie then! Tonight the other chick has joined Giblet under the feather duster, mum decided to go back in with the big girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimi5 Posted July 6, 2012 Share Posted July 6, 2012 Hi there Kity!! So we know how giblet is doing (well done you for helping her along!!!!)......how about twinkle?? Did she turnout to be a he?? What are you going to do if you've another cockerel? I am taking my 3 boys from my 1st hatch to their new homes tomorrow (phew!!) Luckily they are going to 2 lovely ladies who have lost of space in the same village, quiet near each other!!! I am keeping their only sister (named her "golden penny" as she is a lovely kind of golden coloured gold partridge!) 2nd hatch I got 2 girls and a buff boy......hubby says I may be able to keep him (named him marty mcfly) So have to see how things pan out. But the 2 hens to add to penny, a black birchen hen (florence) and a mottled hen (martha)!! Both mummies back with Monty and laying again....yummy having eggs Best wishes for getting giblet her companion!! Pics please! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kittyl Posted July 9, 2012 Author Share Posted July 9, 2012 Hi Mimi, I'm pretty sure (but still not 100%) that Twinkle is a boy, but it doesnt matter I never intended to keep these chicks. I hatched them for a friend who's set up a little business breeding, she loves them all & has the use of lots of land, Twinkle will be well loved there or rehomed. (I will have to keep Giblet though) Twinkle & Giblet are still indoors at night with a heater-mummy & in a small run daytime, Twinkle's got so tame he will have to go soon as I'm getting too attached! My friend has offered me 2 silkie chicks in the hope I'll get at least 1 hen - knowing me I'd end up with 2 boys! Here are some pics - Twinkle & Giblet in bed this morning Twinkle sunbathing with mum last week family portrait! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted July 9, 2012 Share Posted July 9, 2012 I just love that family portrait With that feather duster, do you think they will grow up to have a thing about blue (a sort of imprint) as chickens have very good colour vision? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kittyl Posted July 10, 2012 Author Share Posted July 10, 2012 I just love that family portrait With that feather duster, do you think they will grow up to have a thing about blue (a sort of imprint) as chickens have very good colour vision? It will only influence Giblet if she can see any colours, I'm not sure yet if she can, she may just see dark and light. Twinkle may end up with a thing for blue silkie girls though! - or parrotts! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue44 Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 Hi I have Silkies and I also have a Silkie with a little bit of Poland! - she is daft as a brush and gorgeous, when one of my Silkies was unwell (but on the mend) she would keep her company, encourage her to FR, escort her bed so a great companion...Hope Giblet progresses well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 Hello Blue44. That is so sweet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kittyl Posted July 16, 2012 Author Share Posted July 16, 2012 That's cute, I hope Giblet ends up with a friend like that. In 2 days I'll be swopping dear Twinkle for 2 silkie chicks in the hope that one of them will be a girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kittyl Posted July 18, 2012 Author Share Posted July 18, 2012 This is Giblets new friend. She's older than Giblet & we think a hen. She was being picked on & has a bald patch & a bleeding tale, but Giblet cant see that they perfect companions for eachother! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
counturchickens Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 Bless 'em Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superkitty Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 Awww.. are they getting on so far? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 Do keep us informed; its such a lovely story so far and I'd be very interested to know how Giblet fares in her life as she gets older. Does she respond to your voice at all? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kittyl Posted July 19, 2012 Author Share Posted July 19, 2012 Do keep us informed; its such a lovely story so far and I'd be very interested to know how Giblet fares in her life as she gets older. Does she respond to your voice at all? yes, Giblet loves me to talk softly to her, it calms her. She herself chatters constantly & always has! If I pick her up she likes to be tucked under my chin, or have a hand over her - must feel like a wing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue44 Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 Bless - her own real life feather duster - just lovely, I'm sure they will become best of friends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 Oh they do look sweet together. Lots of questions . . . what is Giblet's friend's name and will she get a lot bigger than Giblet? Also has Mamma Blue the feather duster been taken out now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kittyl Posted July 19, 2012 Author Share Posted July 19, 2012 Oh they do look sweet together. Lots of questions . . . what is Giblet's friend's name and will she get a lot bigger than Giblet? Also has Mamma Blue the feather duster been taken out now? We called her Mrs Fluffnut & I reckon they'll end up a similar size. I did take out the heaters & duster from their bed, but once they started climbing under eachother & Giblet was crying I put them all back in again! I know I'm weak! I've got 6 days to get them toughened up & into a coop before we have a weeks hols. I have a feeling Mrs Fluffnut may have poor eyesight, she wont touch any treats I put down, not even mealworms. What a funny pair they're going to be Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimi5 Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 Ah lovely! Such a happy ending!!! I'm sure they will be fine they have each other and you watching over them! I would start getting them outside and gradually used to being off heat, as the weather (maybe it's just me but feels a little chilly first thing...autumnal?) My chicks 8 weeks old are out full-time and without mum for 2 weeks now, but I am worried about chilly weather. Ridiculous in July I know!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minieggs Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 Awww what a lovely family portrait! Daddy chicken looks so proud! I'm sure giblet will have a lovely life with her new friend Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
