My parents are getting ready to get several Silkies for their backyard, which is in the middle of a newer housing development. I have read a little on Silkies and found out that they don't like to roost too high, could someone suggest a good set-up for them? Is there anything else they should be worried about? Are they noisy or aggressive?

I've never had silkies but they're similar to all chickens except that they are a little more delicate and may have trouble seeing. To avoid predators even in a city (hawks, foxes, raccoons), the cage should be fully enclosed. I've lost chickens to both foxes who dug into the cage and hawks, when my mother decided the chickens should go out and play. My page discusses the setup that I have. Silkies aren't too big so for a few of them, an enclosed house [maybe at least 4' x 4' with a height of at least 4' (it's better for you if you can stand up in there)] with a low roost (say 2' high) and a larger run is fine. Make the run as large as you have the money and room for. Our setup is made of wood, plywood, chicken wire, dog fencing, etc. Silkies shouldn't be any more noisy than other chickens. Hens just cluck a little but if you have a rooster, he will crow which some nasty neighbors probably won't like. Silkies are a little bit less aggressive than other chickens but roosters will still defend their girls.


My chicken page is at http://www.fishpondinfo.com/chicken.htm

Thanks, setup sounds just about what they were thinking about. Our back yard is pretty secure from predators on foot, cayotees are a bigger problem in Oregon than foxes. I'm a little concerned about hawkes, but I've never seen one in near the neighborhood. They stay further out in the country where the pickins are better. There are definately some persnickity neighbors so they aren't going to get a rooster.

Thanks again!
Amanda