FAQs

What certifications does The Silkie Farm hold to ensure the health of their breeding stock?

The Silkie Farm holds NPIP (National Poultry Improvement Plan) certification to ensure the health of our breeding stocks. The NPIP is a national program that aims to control and eradicate certain poultry diseases that can have a significant impact on the poultry industry.

As part of the NPIP certification, we undergo regular testing and follow strict biosecurity measures to ensure the health and integrity of our breeding stocks. This certification provides assurance to our customers that our chickens are healthy, free from diseases, and meet the highest standards of quality. We take the health and well-being of our birds seriously and prioritize their care to maintain the exceptional quality of our poultry products.

What is the purpose of the NPIP certification?

The purpose of the NPIP (National Poultry Improvement Plan) certification is to control and eradicate certain poultry diseases that can have a significant impact on the poultry industry. The program was established to ensure the health and well-being of poultry flocks and to maintain the quality of poultry products. The NPIP certification provides a standardized and comprehensive approach to disease prevention, surveillance, and control. It involves regular testing and monitoring of poultry flocks for specific diseases, such as Avian Influenza, Salmonella, and Mycoplasma. By participating in the NPIP, poultry producers can demonstrate that their flocks are healthy and free from these diseases.

The certification also requires adherence to strict biosecurity measures, which help prevent the introduction and spread of diseases. Biosecurity practices include measures such as controlling access to poultry facilities, proper sanitation, and monitoring and controlling the movement of poultry.

For consumers, the NPIP certification provides assurance that the poultry products they purchase come from flocks that are healthy and meet the highest standards of quality. It helps ensure the safety of poultry products and contributes to the overall health and sustainability of the poultry industry.

In summary, the purpose of the NPIP certification is to safeguard the health of poultry flocks, prevent the spread of diseases, and maintain the quality and safety of poultry products.

What benefits does the NPIP certification provide for consumers?

The NPIP (National Poultry Improvement Plan) certification provides several benefits for consumers:

1. Assurance of Health and Safety: The NPIP certification ensures that the poultry products consumers purchase come from flocks that are healthy and free from certain diseases. Participating poultry producers undergo regular testing and monitoring to detect and prevent the spread of diseases, such as Avian Influenza and Salmonella. This certification provides consumers with confidence in the health and safety of the poultry products they consume.

2. Quality Standards: The NPIP certification requires participating poultry producers to meet specific quality standards. These standards encompass various aspects of poultry production, such as biosecurity measures, flock management, and record-keeping. By adhering to these standards, producers ensure that their poultry products meet the highest quality standards, providing consumers with a reliable and consistent product.

3. Transparency and Traceability: The NPIP certification promotes transparency and traceability in the poultry industry. Participating producers maintain detailed records of their flock management practices, testing results, and biosecurity measures. This information allows consumers to have visibility into the production process and make informed choices about the poultry products they purchase.

4. Support for Sustainable Practices: The NPIP certification encourages sustainable practices in the poultry industry. By focusing on disease prevention and control, the certification helps maintain the health and integrity of poultry flocks. This contributes to the long-term sustainability of the industry and ensures the availability of high-quality poultry products for consumers.

5. Contribution to Industry Standards: The NPIP certification is a nationally recognized program that sets industry standards for disease prevention and control in the poultry sector. By supporting NPIP-certified producers, consumers contribute to the overall improvement of industry practices and the well-being of poultry flocks.

In summary, the NPIP certification provides consumers with assurance of health and safety, ensures quality standards, promotes transparency and traceability, supports sustainable practices, and contributes to industry standards in the poultry sector.

I have a NPIP registered flock and I want to bring new birds into my flock. What is the appropriate procedure?

New birds to your flock must be tested prior to co-mingling with your NPIP registered flock. To prevent the spread of other diseases, after the new birds are tested for pullorum, they should be kept separate and monitored for illness for a minimum of 30 days. After the 30-day period, add a couple of birds from your existing flock and monitor that group for 10 days. Watch for signs of illness. If nothing happens you may mix the two groups.

Are there any bird species that NPIP does not cover?

Pigeons and doves are not covered by NPIP

Tell me more about the poultry vaccines The Silkie Farm administers to all of their chicks…

The Marek's Disease vaccine is a vaccination that helps protect poultry from Marek's disease, a highly contagious viral infection that affects the nerves and can lead to paralysis and death in chickens.The Fowl Pox vaccine, on the other hand, helps protect chickens from fowl pox, a viral disease that causes skin lesions and can be transmitted by mosquitoes.

What does that mean for my chicks, that I purchased from The Silkie Farm?

When you purchase chicks from The Silkie Farm that have been vaccinated for Marek's disease and fowl pox, it means that they have already received the necessary protection against these diseases.This can provide peace of mind knowing that your chickens have a better chance of staying healthy and thriving in your care. It is still important to provide proper care, nutrition, and hygiene practices to ensure the overall health and well-being of your chickens.

Links and additional resources:

The National Chicken Council: https://www.nationalchickencouncil.org/
The American Poultry Association: https://www.apa.org/
The Backyard Poultry Association: https://www.bpa.org/
NPIP
https://www.mipoultry.com/npip

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ARE SILKIE CHICKENS FLUFFY?

The feathers on these birds are furry and fluffy because they don’t have barbs to hold them down.

DO SILKIE CHICKENS HAVE BLACK SKIN AND BONES?

Besides the silly fur-like feathers that make a Silkie look like a Muppet, these birds have several other unique traits that make them stand out. Silkie’s skin is black or dark blue instead of white. They also have black bones.

SILKIES HAVE EXTRA TOES?

Silkies have five toes on their feet instead of the usual four.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY SILKIE GETS WET?

Drying your Silkie chicken quickly can be the difference between life and death for your fluffy chicken. Since the feathers do not stick together on this “furry” breed, they aren’t insulated. This means they can catch a chill easily and die of hypothermia, especially if they live in cold climates.

ARE SILKIES GOOD MOTHERS?

It’s no secret that Silkies make wonderful mothers. Their tendency to go broody (have the urge to sit on eggs) is much higher than any other breed.

ARE SILKIES A GOOD FAMILY CHICKEN?

Silkies are known to be calm, friendly, and docile – even the boys. The love cuddles and enjoy being around their humans.

HOW MANY EGGS DO SILKIES LAY?

Silkies typically lay an average of 3 eggs a week. Their eggs are white and a small-medium size.