Learn from MBK Farm’s Lindsey Ely as she shares her experience with hatching and raising Silkie chickens. In this Hatching Time interview, Lindsey discusses the unique challenges and joys of working with this beloved breed, providing valuable insights for both beginners and experienced poultry keepers.
Silkie chickens are known for their fluffy appearance, calm temperament, and broodiness, making them excellent mothers and popular pets. However, Lindsey explains that hatching Silkie eggs can be a little trickier than utility breeds due to their round heads, which sometimes cause problems during incubation. Fertility and egg production are at their best in mid-spring, while hotter months can reduce productivity.
To maximize hatch rates, Lindsey uses two CT120 incubators from Hatching Time—one as a setter and one as a hatcher. This setup gives her flexibility with smaller batches while still achieving mid-to-high 80% hatch rates for fertile Silkie eggs. She emphasizes how the CT120’s versatility makes it a valuable tool for hobbyists and small farms.
While Silkies are not ideal for those seeking high egg production, they are notoriously broody and make excellent mothers, often purchased specifically to hatch and raise other breeds’ chicks. They also make great first-time poultry projects thanks to their gentle nature and friendly personalities. However, Lindsey highlights the need for secure housing—because Silkies’ crests block their vision, they are less predator-savvy and more vulnerable to hawks and other threats.
Whether you’re looking to add Silkies to your flock as pets, broody hens, or show birds
