Silkies as housepets.

[Klaire]

I am looking at getting a Silkie or two as a house pet. I have seen on other threads there is others who have them as house pets. I was wondering what you do about them using the restroom. If you do use a diaper, which type have you found that's the best. How often do they need to be changed, where do you get the liners from. How do you know to make sure to take off the diaper if the hen is laying an egg. How often do you let them run around without a diaper on?

What kind of sleeping quarters do they have, do they sleep inside a cage or just roam. If you have a cage what kind and size of cage what do you have. What do you do for a nesting box for them. Do they still rise and set with the sun with their sleeping patterns.

Any problems with other pets and Silkies?

Do you set up a food and water station like a dog or cats? Much better minus the smileys... I also wanted to know if you could give me any other information I need to raise a Silkie.

 

[Hottchick]

Why would you want to keep a chicken as a house pet? They're much happier outdoors.

I think you went a little overboard with the emoticons too.

 

[awesomefowl]

You could probably keep it as a pet, but what i would do is get a large cage, get 2-3 silkies, and let them outside sometimes. Make sur ethey always have fresh greenstuffs, like grass to eat, and grit. I wouldn't make a chicken wear a diaper, but you hold them alot.

 

[pennie1]

I never thought I would have a house chicken - that was until about 5 days ago.
I had 20 Silkies and then sent 19 of them to a very good family. I kept the smallest white one. She was having a hard time living with the others. She would stand alone most of the time. If I would go out to the pen, she would follow me around and if I stopped, she would climb up on my shoes until I would pick her up. She loves to be held.
I would bring her in and she loved to sit on my desk. She doesn't go anywhere, just sits there. Well, next thing you know I have a small dog crate for her and she is now a resident of my office. I am picking up a little boyfriend for her tomorrow. They will move back out onto my porch to the Silkie pen.
I do let her go outside for fresh air and grass and exercise. I don't believe in diapers. When she is on the floor, it's the kitchen floor. She sits on a towel when she is on my desk or I hold her for more than a couple of minutes. I hope she will like her new boyfriend.
If you want a house chicken, it's your choice, but it is a chicken and should be allowed to be one.
Good luck

 

[Paaz1120]

Klaire I think it would be a GREAT idea!! Do it! I have wanted to make a couple of mine house pets as well.

You would treat them like dogs, let them out for fresh air and greens and such.

I know a few people who keep chickens indoors and put diapers on them. They have always told me that the chickens LOVE to wear their diapers.

They make them so they are colorful and everything. One lady her chickens sleep at the foot of the bed perching on the foot of the bed.

Her cats love the chickens, she uses panty liners and fem. Pads. or sometimes papertowels folded up.

when she takes them outside she takes the diapers off and lets them roam and be chickens but they let her know when they want back in.

They seem really happy and healthy. I have a pattern for diapers and will be attempting to make some for my babie.

I just LOVE our silkies!! All of our chickens tend to think they are house chickens. lol

Go for it!! Dont let anyone put down the idea. Many people do it! : ) Have Fun!!

I think the chickens would be really happy and spoiled!

Mine are!

 

[Paaz1120]

Klaire Where are you located?

 

[Klaire]

I am in Florida... I have wanted a Silkie for over a year my family has 15 other chickens that stays outside... I would be afraid of what the free ranging Buff Orp would do to a little Silkie... I would let them go outside, but I want them to be inside too.. I want them to be in the house with me.. Sorry about the over emotion con.. I was looking at them and thought I had deleted them... I'll try to delete them again..And yes I'm a kid and my Mom knows what I'm upto.. She decided if my brother wants a two pound Parrot that can scream how hard can a two pound silkie be that doesn't scream as loud. But I have to get all the information and supplies gathered before I can get one.

Klaire

 

[blaundee]

I have a California White who thinks she should be a house chicken... LOL But my Grandma always said, and it seems to be true, LOL that Chickens poop every 3 steps! LOL If you can deal with the poop, they are great pets. Floors without carpets, etc.

When I was a kid, I had several house chickens, especially when they were babies, but we had wood floors, no carpets, and cleaned up after them right away. We also held them alot, with a towel under them.

Geez, that brings back memories... LOL My poor chickens put up with a LOT from this chichen crazy kid that loved to groom them! LOL

 

[blaundee]

BTW- Welcome to BYC

 

[Paaz1120]

We have a Buff Orp. who LOVES the silkies!! she cuddles with them and everything.
I would suggest using chicken diapers, but go for it. If your parents are fine with it do it!

It would be fun and you are asking the right questions!