Do silkies strangle their young???

bedifferent · « **on:** April 11, 2008, 18:51 »

This chap i was chatting to today said that he would much rather have silkie crosses beacause pure silkies end up strangling their chicks because their feathers are so fine that they get wrapped around the chick. Is this true and what do you do about it??

Jellyhead · « **Reply #1 on:** April 11, 2008, 18:57 »

Ooooer, I am sure Judi will be best to answer this one tho :shock:

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #2 on:** April 11, 2008, 19:46 »

:shock: Goodness me. I do hope not :cry:

Bodger · « **Reply #3 on:** April 11, 2008, 19:50 »

I've heard this be fore but hesitated to mention it. They don't do it on purpose of course but I've heard that the silk like feathers of the mothers sometimes wrap themselves around the necks of the chicks and strangle them.

It may happen, it may not but its one of the reasons why I prefer a cross bred silkie rather than a pure bred.

Lost in France · « **Reply #4 on:** April 12, 2008, 10:55 »

Oh dear! No, well my silkies have always been the perfect mums and last year one hatched 9 eggs and lost no chicks. They do have feathery/furry feet but not so much so that their chicks are at risk. Go for it...silkies are gorgeous...well Babe will say Polands but you'll have to make your mind up! I think Polands probably have high hairdressing bills...you know, all those "products", gel etc etc

, whereas silkies top knots look after themselves!! :roll:

Judi

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Do silkies strangle their young???

Bodger