silkie smooth - Nutrition Basics
What do you need to know?
The following information is based on SILKIE chickens, and will not apply to all of the breeds equally.
Selecting the right feed
Basic feed should be a suitable crumble style feed and should be kept clean and dry. Feed should be available at all times and offered in a safe container / dispenser. Chickens do like to kick / scratch at their food, so it is important to keep the area around their feed source clean and free from feces/ contamination.
Chick’s crumble should be ground up for the 1-2 weeks for ease of consuming and avoiding choking. Then they can consume the small crumble in its standard form. As they grow it is safe to add additional supplements, grit etc to the diet.
As silkies are a bantam breed, they will need a smaller more manageable crumble size for their entire lives. Avoid large pieces like whole kernel corn, large pieces of dried fruits or veggies (like peas) as they may become a choking hazard.
Protein levels recommended;
Chicks; 22-24% protein
We have opted to use omega 3 enriched feed from Ma Poule as we cannot source a specific ornamental feed locally. For those in the states, a reputable option is Nutrena NatureWise Silkie & Ornamental Feed.
Adults; 20-24%
As silkies are known for their broody behaviour mainatining strong feather regrowth is important and puts a higher demand on their system compared to some other breeds,
Addition of grit
Crumble feed on its own is NOT enough, there is a need for access to grit. The purpose in offering this is for digestive aid. Chicken do no have teeth, so the grit helps them grind down food in the gizzard. This is essential for digesting grains, seeds and various types of greens. Proper digestion and break down helps to prevent crop impaction. Nutrient absorption is also improved when the food is properly broken down.
Crushed oyster shell is our personal choice for grit option for most chickens, we have found when dealing with chicks and more sensitive breeds like the silkies, crushed quartzite works well.
Fresh veggies / greens
Watermelon & blueberries tend to be favourites around here (but they are messy - fair warning! - for the silky texture of this breed's feather strands. Messy treats may mean a little wash up and blow dry is needed afterwards...
* Wash produce before offering to your birds - especially if using purchased produce from a grocery store as they are often treated prior to transport.
Parasite Control
Parasite control is also an important part of your silkie's care. We utilize diatomaceous earth - they can ingest this, it can be used in their dust bath or rubbed into their silk (wing undersides, backs and towards vents) to help address any feather dwelling parasites. It would be VITAL to select food grade product if offering to your birds by way of mixing into their feed.
We do offer a GOOD GUT Herbal blend that includes diatomaceous earth if you are interested in using their standard dust bath.
Bugging out!
It may seem silly to consider but the type and quality of the bugs you offer your birds DOES matter. It will impact the protein and nutrient value of the product and in turn the level of benefit it provides your birds. Crickets (live if you are able to), meal worms & black soldier fly larvae are all worth considering.
Black solider fly larvae is a prized gem in our case; they are high in calcium compared to other bug options which directly impact the egg shells (& assist with bone health) They are rich in essential amino and fatty acids which will help in growth and development. The nutrient value packed into these bugs is also very beneficial to the birds during their melting season / through the winter months. They are easily digestible.
We have seen first hand an impact on egg size and yolk quality - so if you are raising quail for their eggs specifically this is something you’ll want to keep on hand, just like we do. Knowing the source and quality of the larvae is very important, that is why we have worked to find a very reputable CANADIAN source and are currently working out details to be able to offer them to you via our website.
H2O
Water is an essential - ensure clean and fresh water is ALWAYS available, silkies tend to turn their beaks up to water that is messy. The type of dispenser used may depend on life stage but consider having in elevated on a block of sorts to keep it cleaner and help reduce chance of floor substrate from being kicked into it when your birds forage, play or nest.
There are chicken safe water additives that can be included like options to;
- help prevent respiratory conditions as chickens tend to produce a lot of dust
- increase nutrition absorption in the way of electrolytes
- add vitamins/iron (ROOSTER BOOSTER - poultry cell)