Silkies, which are also called silkie bantams, are small chickens that are primarily known for their fluffy, almost furred appearance. They are a popular ornamental chicken, but due to their unique feather structure, they also need special care. Silkies are known for their docile temperaments as well as their soft feathers.
Features
The silkie's feathers do not have barbs, which hold the hairs on the shaft together. Without these barbs, the silkie's feathers look like stalks covered in long fur or silk thread. They also have furred legs and feet, and unlike most chickens which have four toes, they have five toes. They have walnut combs, which are wrinkled and bulbous, and their combs are dark blue or black. They are also distinguished by having dark blue or black skin.
History
Silkies originally come from Asia; the explorer Marco Polo wrote of seeing fur-covered poultry with black skin during the 1200s. According to the American Silkie Bantam club, the ancient silkies did not have crests or leg feathering. Originally, silkies were only white, though there are a wide variety of colors found today. The modern silkie, with its large, dark crest and feathering along the legs, has only come into occurrence during the last 30 to 40 years.
Function
Silkies are highly broody hens, meaning that they are predisposed to mothering and the behaviors associated with it. Because silkie hens have an predisposition to adopt other chicks, they can be used to incubate clutches which are not their own, and they can also be used as foster mothers for orphaned chicks. Otherwise, silkies are ornamental chickens and are not ideal for meat or egg production.
Types
There are several different colors that are accepted in silkies by the American Bantam Association and the American Poultry Association. They include white, black, blue, buff, gray, partridge and splash, which refers to a strong mottled coloration. Silkie chickens also come in bearded and nonbearded varieties, referring to an extra ruff of feathers around the head.
Eggs
While Silkie eggs are very small, the birds themselves are good layers and can produce as many as three eggs per week. The eggs are cream or brownish in color. However, the predisposition of the hens to go broody even without eggs can actually interrupt laying, as the hen will not produce eggs when she thinks that she is already sitting on them.
Related posts
The History of Silkie ChickensThe Silkie is a breed of chicken with soft, fluffy plumage and black skin. It is believed that the breed originated in China or Southeast Asia, and one of the earlies...
One of the more popular Hopi souvenirs, the colorful Kachina Doll, represents the culture, religion and history of the Hopi people. Seeped in ancient folklore, part of the ceremonial dances, these...
Bobwhite quails are small game birds who received their name from the distinct "bobwhite" call that they whistle. Here is a quick guide on their appearance, habitat, food, courtship and...
This ring-necked pheasant is just one of several game birds found throughout the world.Game birds are wild and traditionally hunted for human consumption. The most common game birds in North Ameri...
Emus are native to Australia.The emu (Dromiceius novaehollandiae) is a large bird that is found in Australia. The emu is the largest bird in Australia and the second largest bird in the world. Emu...
