You may have heard the Silkie Bantam is only a fair egg layer, but is this a fair statement? Perhaps they get a bad rap because they’re often broody which interrupts egg production. True, but in my opinion, this incredible bird should be considered a master of two jobs. I give them five stars for their dedication to motherhood, and here’s their generous contribution to the breakfast menu. Not bad, not bad at all!
My Silkies lay every other day on average, with little change during our mild Arizona winters. There are six birds in my flock over the age of four and are still producing at the same rate. As far as I’m concerned, a chicken’s production decreasing after the age of two years has not proven true on our little farm.
Meet Fern, this little lady doesn’t lay eggs at all, ever! Hatched in 2012, isn’t interested in setting on eggs, and has never gone broody. But no worry, there’s still a job for her here as a bug eater. She’s also valuable as a warm body to the others on those occasional cold winter nights.
The rules stay the same, but there’s more than one way to raise chicks. If you’re looking for new ideas, answers, or help with a special problem, experts have lots of tips. By checking out different opinions, you’ll find many ways to care for chicks while still following the basic rules.
Everything you need to know, step by step, to prepare for, and manage baby chicks.
Research, have a plan, be prepared, and know what to expect; these four things will help ease your commitment, so there’s more time to enjoy your birds.
TBN Ranch Chicken Keeping Resources 