Silkie Chickens (Hens)
Price: Our prices are very competitive but do vary from batch to batch. Please call the store to confirm the current price.
Availability: Please call our Sydney store at (02) 9747 5713 to confirm availability and pricing. Please do not email regarding availability; instead, contact the store directly.
How to Buy: All our pets are available for in-store pickup only and cannot be delivered to your home.
Store Address: 56 Coronation Pde, Enfield NSW. (near Strathfield)
Age: Varies from batch to batch. Usually 10 to 12 weeks of age.
Colours: Various Colours, but details will be confirmed upon stock arrival.
Vaccination: Our Silkies have been vaccinated for Marek's Disease.
About Silkies for Sale: Silkies are relatively compliant and docile birds, and despite their soft, delicate appearance, are reasonably robust. The birds can be tamed and are often regarded by their owners as a real pet. Combine this with their curious and delicate appearance, and it is easy to see why this bird is usually an appealing choice for novices or children.
Other Chickens available: Isa Brown hens, Australorps, White Leghorns, and Baby Isa Browns. Ducks are also available.
Disclaimer: All photos in this section are for promotion purposes only and are NOT the actual poultry for sale. The actual poultry for sale may look significantly different or may even be a different breed from the birds pictured here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Are your Silkies Bantam hens?
A. There is a separate variety of Silkies that are classified as bantams, or if all Silkies are considered bantams. What we know for sure is that our Silkies are slightly larger than typical bantams but smaller than regular laying breeds, such as Isa Browns.
Further reading from Wikipedia:
Silkies are often mistakenly referred to as a bantam breed, and although they are considered bantams in some countries, this classification varies by region. Many breed standards officially classify them as large fowl; the bantam Silkie is a separate variety most of the time. Almost all North American strains of the breed are bantam-sized, but in Europe, the standard-sized version is the original. However, even standard Silkies are relatively small chickens, with the males weighing only 1.8 kg and the females weighing 1.36 kg.
Q. Are these Silkies for Sale all hens because I don't want a rooster?
A. Yes, we buy these Silkies from our supplier as all hens.
Silkie Chicken Care Suggestions (Australia)
1. Housing & Environment
- Coop Size: Provide at least 0.4–0.5m² per bird inside the coop.
- Run Space: Aim for 1m² or more per bird in an enclosed run.
- Weather Protection: Silkies are not well-suited for wet or icy conditions due to their unique feather structure. Ensure good shelter from rain, wind, and temperature extremes.
- Ventilation: Good airflow is crucial to prevent respiratory issues.
2. Bedding & Cleanliness
- Best bedding: Use dry, absorbent materials like wood shavings, straw, or hemp.
- Regular Cleaning: Clean the coop weekly to prevent mite and bacterial buildup.
3. Feeding & Nutrition
- Starter Feed (0-6 weeks): High-protein chick starter (19-22%).
- Grower Feed (6-16 weeks): Lower protein (16-18%) to support steady growth.
- Layer Feed (16+ weeks): Balanced diet with 16-18% protein and calcium for strong eggshells.
- Treats: Vegetables, fruits, mealworms, and grains (moderation).
- Water: Clean, fresh water is always available.
4. Health & Common Issues
- Mites & Lice: Silkies are prone to external parasites due to their fluffy feathers. Dust with Diatomaceous Earth or use poultry dusting powder.
- Scaly Leg Mites: Prevent with regular checks and apply Vaseline as needed.
- Wry Neck: Silkies are more susceptible due to a genetic predisposition. Supplement with Vitamin E & Selenium if signs appear.
- Heat Stress: Provide shade, fresh water, and frozen treats during hot Australian summers.
- Predator Protection: Secure the coop against foxes, hawks, and snakes.
5. Behaviour & Social Needs
- Broodiness: Silkies frequently go broody and make excellent mothers.
- Gentle Nature: They are friendly and do well with children.
- Integration: Silkies can be vulnerable to bullying by aggressive breeds, so introduce them to other poultry carefully.
6. Breeding & Egg Production
- Egg Laying: Silkies lay about 100-150 small, cream-coloured eggs per year.
- Roosters: Can be noisy and territorial—check local council regulations before keeping one.
7. Legal Considerations in Australia
- Council Regulations: Many councils have restrictions on the keeping of roosters and backyard flocks.
- Biosecurity: Register your flock with local poultry authorities if required.
Final Tips
- Keep them dry and out of extreme heat or cold.
- Handle them gently to maintain their friendly nature.
- Provide perches close to the ground since Silkies don’t fly well.
Disclaimer: Please seek expert advice before caring for chickens. Please do not depend on the information on this page, as it may have errors, be dated, or not apply to your situation.