I want to add some bantam hens to my flock. i currently have white cochin bantams. i want bantam pullets or hens. someone recommended silkies what are they and are they compatible with my cochins in size and temperment...and well... libido.

thanks roger white
justolrog@aol.com 607 648 9384

Roger--Couldn't find Dutch Bantam hens? Not an easy commodity to find! But Silkies are more easily obtained. They are a very old breed of Bantams, and are fluffy--almost Persian cat-like. Their plumage is webless, like down, and so they really cannot fly, as the harder feather of chickens can catch the air, as birds do. A low fence will keep them in, and they require a low roost, as they cannot fly up to a high one, nest boxes, very low, or on the floor. However, because of soft plumage, they are not "waterproof", so should not be left out in rain, as they will soak up like cotton, and subject then to cold. Their feet are feathered, and this, too is best kept dry. The hens have a fluffy topknot and if you're old enough o remember L'l Abner in the funnypapers, The Silkie hens might look like schmoos! Generally very tame, wonderful setters and mothers, easy to get along with, and in nice colors--but White is the most common. You would love some. CJR

To CJR:
I, only discovered this forum about a week ago, and have eavesdropped on a few of you're messages. You seem to be one of the best people to ask if a newbie has a question.
I tried to order some Blue Silkie chicks from Murray McMurray Hatchery, but they were sold out for the date I wanted to receive them. I was also unable to get any Frizzles. I am a Junior in highschool, so I wanted the chicks for April 5, the begining of Spring Break, so I could make sure they were well acclimatised. Do you know of anyone who could supply me with some of these chicks, preferably pullets, by April 9 if possible? Thank you!!!

Somebody PLEASE answer me!! Almost no one replies to my messages. C'mon! Give a newbie a break!!

TO: Y2Keggz

We purchased our silkies through A & A Silkies in Illinois. You can reach them at (217) 324-4843. They seem to be good quality and he has several colors you can order. They are really fun to raise and gentle.
Good Luck!

Thank you for responding. I was begining to wonder if I was being shunned! I'll try A&A.
Thanks again!

Hello Tyler!

How are you doing with Japanese Bantams? I have all my breeding pens together, but no big hatches yet. Send me an e-mail if you want to tell about your Japanese Bantams in the JBBA Journal.

John

I have a beautiful pair of black silkies and can't get them to mate. Any suggestions? I've trimmed under-tail feathers and have separated them and then reunited them. They are just friends!
Joanne

Y2Keggz,
I purchased Blue& Black Silkies through Ideal Poultry. The will sell quantities of less than 25 chicks. I ordered fifteen day old chicks and all arrived safe and sound. My chicks are now seven weeks old and they are beautiful. Their number is 254-697-6677 or www.ideal-poultry.com/

Check out Fowl Ed-Dee's Chicken Ranch at http://www.alltel.net/~edbromo.html they have a very nice Silkie...

Silkes are some of the best brooders even though they are small. I have owned 5 different ones. 2 black roosters and 3 white hens. Would have made an interesting breed. My roosters though were very feisty. Luckily they were small and when they attacked you it didn't hurt much. The hens are great. Sold one, one just keeled over, and the other hen is young but doing fine. They are a fun breed.

I've had very good results with Ideal Poultry, especially customer service and healthy chicks. However, most of the silkies I received did not have black skin as required in the standard.

I have had wonderful results with A&A.

Slikies are great! They are so friendly and really good broodys. One of mine called Silkie(named after her breed)will foster any bird and even tries to steal other hens chicks! She often goes broody(weather you want her to or not)and she is also very fun and sweet.