About two and a half weeks ago a coyote came in and too all but one of my silkies. I was heartbroken as they are my pets instead of regular chickens like the rest. I've had them for three years and had no idea how was going to replace them. Well, one of them was sitting on a pile of about 30 eggs when she was killed. I brought in the ones that weren't broken and put them in the incubator. I didn't have much hope for them as it had been very cold and rainy that night and I'm not very good with the incubator, but I did it anyway.
Over the past few weeks I have candled and removed any bad or undeveloped eggs. I was down to about 10 by last night. Well, this morning I heard peeps and have 4 chicks hatched by tonight! I am so thrilled. I hope there will be more tomorrow as all the eggs were probably not the same age. All three hens were laying in the same nest.
Wonderful Silkie surprise
Congratulations ! Hope all goes well with your new babies! Maybe photos of the new arrivals soon?? E.
Aww, that's a great ending to a tragic story.
I like my silkies too. My hatchery ones aren't that pretty, but the three I hatched out from Steve Wheat are soft and fluffy and really cute. I need to put some pics of them on here somewhere. I think they are three months old now. It's fun to watch them. The blue and black hens have kind of adopted them, but the other chickens sometimesf bully them a little bit. When they do, the blue and black come to their rescue and protect them.
It's very relaxing to sit outside and watch them, and who doesn't need to relax these days?
What a great story, and what an incredible end. That was really worth sharing. I was really moved that you thought to bring them in and incubate them. You rock!!! Hay
Wonderful news! I hope they do well for you! Are you getting different colors? I think silkie chicks are pretty much the cutest....except maybe for Polish, which are also pretty cute.
Good save!!!!!! That is sooo cool. I'm so happy for you Jyl.. Keep em comin! sure gave me a smile this afternoon. :)
We now have five with two more working their way out. One black two blues and three splash.
Wonderful! Pics! Pics! Pics!!! The splash are my fave!
Please tell me THESE are still with you....
That's wonderful news Jyl!!!!! I'm so happy for you!! Your silkie was the first one I ever saw in person; they're sooo cute! Next time I get chicks, I may just have to get myself a couple. :) Have you named them yet? Post some pictures if you can! We'd love to see them!! .......Doing the "happy dance" for you!
:) Glenda
Still trying to keep the five going. Due to the chill and my ineptness with incubators, we have some foot problems and splay leg. I'm pretty sure that 4 will be ok. I'll try to get photo's. I've been a bit disorganised lately.
Sadly, none of the silkies survived. I have however located one that I gave away last year and the person no longer wants. That will give me two black hens, all I need now is a rooster. I have given away dozens of offspring from mine over the past years, hopefully someone will be willing to share some extras from these back with me. Maybe next year I can find some white or other colors.
I am so sorry! :_0( I know how you must feel! I only wish we were closer , I have Three beautiful white , 7 month old roosters needing new homes. I would be more than happy to give one or all to you!E.
Oh yeah.. Me too.. Chuckie needs a home..
I am overloaded to commit to shipping him.. or I would in a heartbeat.
Good luck to you.
That's ok, I know I'll find some fairly nearby. Thanks so much for thinking of me.