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Poultry Feed for Silkie & Ornamental

What is the best poultry feed for silkie and ornamental birds? Find out what ingredients set Nutrena® specialty feed apart from other poultry feed brands on the market and why we provide the best support for silkie and ornamental birds.

FAQs About Silkie & Ornamental Birds

If you’re a poultry owner trying to understand the best diet for silkie and ornamental birds, it’s important to read these frequently asked questions about ingredients, diet requirements, and what is guaranteed on your feed tag. In order to choose the best poultry feed for specialty birds, you have to know what factors go into making their diets unique.

  • What’s the difference between feeding Silkie & Ornamental vs. other chicken breeds?

    Raising silkie, ornamental, and bantam chicks require attention to detail, especially when it comes to their nutrition.

    NatureWise® Silkie & Ornamental Layer Feed is specifically formulated for silkie, ornamental and bantam birds. Fortified with 22% protein, amino acids, Thiamine (Vitamin B1), Selenium, Vitamin E and essential oils, this feed supports special birds’ unique dietary needs. The smaller-sized, unique Clean Crumb™ is designed for small beaks, so your special birds get the nutrients they need while reducing feed waste and mess. Plus, this feed is crafted for silkies and ornamental breeds but is safe and nutritionally balanced for all breeds of poultry if you have a mixed flock.

  • Why is feed form important for silkie and ornamental birds?

    Specialty birds like silkie and ornamental chickens have smaller beaks. So, when choosing a diet, it’s important to consider feed form in addition to nutritional value. Large pellets may be harder to eat, looking for a Micro Clean Crumb™ like in NatureWise Silkie & Ornamental feed can ensure more efficient feeding and less waste.

  • How much protein do silkie and ornamental birds require?

    Silkie and ornamental birds need higher protein than standard layers due to their unique feather structure and smaller size. A good rule of thumb is to aim for 22% protein in silkie and ornamental feed to support:

    • Feather regrowth during molt
    • Egg production year-round
    • Muscle tone and immune health (with added Thiamine and Vitamin E)

    In addition to minimum protein guaranteed, also be mindful to balance amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to avoid deficiencies or excesses.

Save $10 with our NatureWise Feed Trial

Recommended Silkie & Ornamental Feed

naturewise silkie & ornamental chick

“This feed is great for my silkie chicks. The small size crumble/pellet is perfect for their tiny mouths, and it has the high protein silkies need.”*

silkie & ornamental testimonial

“I was so excited to see this at my local feed store… The new granules are the perfect size for their tiny mouths, and they seem to love it! …Thanks Nutrena for being an industry leader and thinking of the amazing Silkie chicken!!!

silkie & ornamental testimonial review

“I love the small crumbles for my tiny chicks. Less waste, I used to put chick crumbles in a food processor to try to break them down -no need with this food… Worth the money!”*

Exclusive Features in NatureWise Poultry Feed

  • herbal blend

    Herbal Blend

    We carefully craft our feeds with a unique blend of herbs and essential oils, ensuring your birds are nourished and beaming with a glow of good health.

  • flockshield

    Flockshield™

    Formulated ingredients to supports a strong immune system, optimal digestion, and superior nutrient absorption in healthy flocks.

Silkie & Ornamental Blog Articles

  • close up of person holding baby chicks

    Raising Silkie, Ornamental, & Bantam Chicks: A Guide to Proper Nutrition

    Raising Silkie, ornamental, and bantam chicks can be an incredibly rewarding experience. That said, these special chicks do require special care, particularly when it comes to their nutrition.

    View Blog
  • two kids petting a chick

    How to Choose the Right Chicken for Your Family

    There are a number of useful tools online to help folks pick the best breed for their level of experience and space, production, and interaction needs. Here, we’ll focus on families with young kids looking for their first flock of hens.

    View Blog
  • girls feeding mixed flock nutrena poultry feeds

    Mixing Poultry Breeds in Your Flock

    If you’re ready to add some variety to your backyard flock, mixing chicken breeds can be a fun way to explore different personalities, egg production levels, and appearances. A Nutrena poultry expert shares practical advice on choosing breeds, feeding strategies, and avoiding common flock issues.

    View Blog
  • pair of silkie chicken on a blurred green background

    Are Bantam Chickens Right for You?

    Bantam chickens can be a lot of fun, but before you bring them home you should understand some basic facts about how to best care for them and the pros and cons of these miniatures.

    View Blog

*Review collected as part of incentivized campaign