Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Poultry and Pets => The Hen House => Topic started by: Chookiechook on August 23, 2009, 23:03

Title: Silkies...
Post by: Chookiechook on August 23, 2009, 23:03

What age can I start them on Layers Pellets..... they are 16 weeks old and I have just run out of growers :)

I can get some more growers if necessary.... but would prefer to go onto layers if poss :)

What age do silkies usually start laying??  And how will I know (other than there will be an egg) as their combs are non existant :(

Thanks for any replies :)

Title: Re: Silkies...
Post by: iwantanallotment on August 24, 2009, 09:05

Hello Chookiechuck,

I don't know when Silkies start laying, expect a Silkie person will soon be along to help.

But 16 weeks is perfect for them to go onto layers pellets  ;)

Title: Re: Silkies...
Post by: themagicaltoad1 on August 24, 2009, 09:18

My silkie hybrids are now 21 wks and I'm still waiting! I did read in a book that bantams can be as late as 35wks before they start :(

Title: Re: Silkies...
Post by: Chookiechook on August 24, 2009, 09:34

Thanks for both answers :) :)

16 weeks perfect....... well perfect then :) :)

Possible 35 weeks till laying  :( I may well have lost the will to look by then :)
 

Oh well next spring it will be then :0

Title: Re: Silkies...
Post by: iowrooster on August 24, 2009, 12:13

Hey! Two of my girls started laying last week(silkies) . They hatched in February, so are around 26-27weeks, but even the breeder was surprised at this, 35 weeks does seem the norm. 

Title: Re: Silkies...
Post by: Roughlee Handled on August 24, 2009, 12:38

I would suggest that you move all young bird on to layers from 15-16 weeks just in case they start laying. Why? Because unless you are feeding organic growers they have anti Coccidiosis stuff in them and you should not let this get into the eggs and eaten by humans.