We are located in Narvon Pa (Lancaster county).   We have been hatching paints, black and white chicks.  Paint chicks seems to get more spots as they get older.  The chicks are straight run, unsexed.  I can not even guess as to what they will be until they are a few months old.  I mostly sell chicks, but may have adults available occasionally if any chicks do not sell.  We do not ship chicks.  We do sell fertile hatching eggs as they are available.

 

Silkies are well known for their calm, friendly temperament. It is among the most docile of poultry. Hens are also exceptionally broody, and care for young well. Though they are fair layers themselves, laying only about three eggs a week, they are commonly used to hatch eggs from other breeds and bird species due to their broody nature. Silkie chickens are very easy to keep as pets.  Male silkies usually weigh 2-3 lbs.   Female silkies weigh 1.5-2 lbs

 

What you will need for silkie chicks: a container, cage, kennel or contained area to keep the chicks.

Pine shavings or another type of bedding for the floor.  I use pine shavings (flakey from tractor supply since they contain low amount of dust)

Heat light with reflector 

Feeder

Waterer

 

Keep the bedding clean and dry.  The newly hatched chicks needs to be kept at 90-95 degrees for the first week in the warmest part of the brooder and should be reduced by around 5 degrees each week thereafter, until the chicks have their feathers (8 weeks old). A thermometer in the brooder is helpful, but you can tell if the temperature is right by how the chicks behave. If they are panting and/or huddling in corners farthest from the light, they are too hot. If they huddle together in a group under the light, they are too cold. You can adjust the distance of the light (or change the wattage of the bulb) until it's right. Make sure you always have cooler spots in the brooder where the chicks can cool down if they feel the need to.  Make sure the heat light is securely fastened so it does not get knocked over.  

 

Watch for pasty butt (droppings that dry on their vents and clogs it up) it usually happens from newly hatched up to around 2 weeks old.  It can kill them if not cleaned off.  Soak it and carefully remove.  

 

Provide fresh water, if using a bowl or large container place marbles in the bottom to prevent drowning.

 

Keep their feed and feeder clean.  You can feed any brand of chick starter crumbles that you prefer.  Provide chick grit if you are feeding treats. 

 

We do practise biosecurity for the safety of our chickens.  We do not allow anyone in or around their coop or run.