Unlike other chickens who have white skin, silkies are known for their black or dark blue skin, strange-yes, but just another little quirk that makes this breed so unique! button. It’s one of the best things about them, and generally speaking, the roosters are more docile and calm tempered than a lot of other breeds. Silkies claim to fame was being written about by Marco Polo in the 13th century, who wrote of ‘chickens with fur-like feathers’ in logs from his Asian travels. In addition to the fuzzy feathers that make them so unique, the roosters also have long, pointy saddle and hackle feathers. They love you back! Our poultry expert will contact you soon. Despite some having a much larger appearance with all those fluffy feathers, there isn’t a lot underneath.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'chickenandchicksinfo_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',107,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'chickenandchicksinfo_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',107,'0','1'])); Then there are the bantams, which are miniature versions, they weigh around 2-2.2 lbs. Forums. ... All Silkies have a black face, … Sometimes spelled “silky”, the silkie chicken is quite a unique looking chicken! They provide you with lots of lovely little eggs- and consistently too! Normal chicken poop can range in color pretty widely from all shades of brown and tan, to green, yellow or even black. Plain and simple, the answer is no! Silkie chickens have 5 toes on each foot – a normal chicken has 4!- and the outer two toes are usually feathered. It is named so for its atypically fluffy feathers which is like silk and satin. Some are bearded and non-bearded and with or without feathering on the lower neck front called Bow Ties. Here's a few to be thinking about for your cute and fluffy! Chickenpedia have a full range of comprehensive online courses that cover everything you didn’t know you need to know and then some more! The black feathers are not painted on top, but are black all the way to the shaft of the feather. It is believed by some that the Silkie dates back as far as the Chinese Han Dynasty, in 206BC.The Chinese name for the Silkie is wu-gu-ji – meaning black-boned. The silkie is already a fantastic Mum, but this UV cone allows her to determine the health of her littles ones- growing feathers will reflect UV light, and so she can see which of her chicks are growing well, and who she needs give a little extra TLC. Like with all chickens, also be sure to routinely worm your silkies, as this is another ailment that can spell disaster if not treated properly. This breed isn’t really a black chicken breed (it’s a hybrid) but they’re still … We are now lucky to find silkies all across the globe, and in many backyard flocks! They are called “walnut” combs because they look a lot like a walnut. While we’re not one to judge a book by it’s cover, it’s hard to ignore the silkie in all it’s fluffy plumage glory! Much like other roosters, but it’s a little harder to tell with all the fluffy plumage. If you have a flock with larger more aggressive breeds, however, a Silkie might get picked on. Silkies are one of the smallest breeds of chicken. The biggest problem in breeding Silkies or Showgirls is getting enough eggs to hatch. From healthcare to raising baby chicks to feeding and behavior, that’ll give you the knowledge and confidence to successfully look after your chickens. No one is 100% about the Silkies’ origins, although it is believed they started somewhere in China or India; somewhere in Asia. Just click the Request Help button and fill in the form. © 2020 Backyard Chicken Coops. For more information click here. This doesn’t mean you won’t end up with a tyrant on your hands though. Jul 6, 2019 - Explore Dwyllis Harrison's board "Silkie Chickens", followed by 636 people on Pinterest. Everything You Need To Know About Fertile Eggs, Different Coloured Eggs and the Breeds That Lay Them, The 4 Essential Tips for Keeping a Rooster in your Urban Backyard. A key difference between a silkie hen and a silkie rooster is size. Other times I've named a stand-offish hen by one of these adorable names and she's seemed to rise to the occasion and become a cute and friendly chicken overnight! Breeding Silkie chicken and Showgirl bantams: Silkie chicken reproduction is relatively easy if you can get enough eggs from your birds before they go broody. This is fine when they’re within a flock of other Silkies or similarly sized and tempered chickens. It’s not something most backyard flock owners notice unless it’s pointed out. With their pretty and profuse plumage, love of a snuggle, and their super sweet nature; silkies are one of our favourite breeds- what’s not to love? Recognised Variations: black, blue, buff, white, partridge, splash and gray. You cant judge a buff against a white for size for example. Much like other roosters, but it’s a little harder to tell with all the fluffy plumage. You’re better off keeping them in their coop if it’s wet out, which can obviously become a problem in the long-term as they love to forage and scratch around as much as any chicken. Females have tidy, round crests. Silkies Have Black Skin. The hen resembles a boat shape (more horizontally positioned) and the male is more upright keeping their chests forward and their necks elongated. To keep themselves looking super sharp, silkies will dust bath and preen themselves, so they don’t require much extra grooming. They also develop their combs earlier than pullets. (Yes, and Super-Tasty! There is no doubt that the Silkie is a very old breed, probably of Chinese origin. If their feathers are black, then the black skin underneath makes the feathers look blacker. Unlike most backyard chickens which have yellow skin, silkies have black skin. Silkies are active little birds, and require some room to stretch their fantastically feathered legs, so be sure that their humble abode has a run, or fenced in area for them to explore. Larger black spots are more desirable than small ones. Black: Male & female - plumage black all over with a green sheen in the males. But if we must put it in writing, here are the top five reasons we are so taken with sensational silkies, and why you need to get them stat! Time to peek inside those poultry nesting boxes and gather all the egg-ceptionally fresh eggs! It usually happens if you had a rooster, and for some reason no longer have him. The breed has several other unusual qualities, such as black skin and bones, blue earlobes, and five toes on each foot, whereas most chickens only have four. Chicken Breed Information - Silkie Bantam - Of all the ornamental chicken breeds, the Silkie Bantam is one of the most popular and beloved, and certainly one of the most entertaining to watch. Remember that you need to judge each by its own color. Our poultry expert will respond same day between 10am - 5pm Monday to Friday AEST. As they grow up they can become aggressive and territorial, but they’re not among the most aggressive breeds. As a member, you will get access to ALL their fantastic courses. For cute and fluffy chickens. I really find her attractive. This chicken breed was once one of the most frequently kept in America. They were crossed withRhode Island Reds to improve the egg laying ability.In England, the Orpington was being refined to produce good quality meat, but the ever practical Australian poultry breeders of the 1920s wanted a good utility bird with the emphasis o… But they definitely do, just count them if you have a Silkie or the next time you look at a picture. Dust bathing is also particularly important to help prevent lice, mites and fleas, so make sure you provide your flock with dust bathing amenities. Roosters are larger than hens and have larger, rounder wattles with larger combs. The reason I tend to get roosters is that I’m very bossy at the feed store, I want the plumpest, largest, most … Roosters get a bit of gold or silver in their hackles at about 1.5 years of age as they are rarely on extended black. Silkies require no special diet; to keep them fighting fit be sure to feed them a balanced diet rich in protein and a healthy mix of seeds, grains and vegetation. (Strange But True), Are Backyard Chicken Eggs Safe To Eat? Roosts are also an important feature of a silkies home sweet home, however it is best if they are not too high off the ground as silkies struggle in the flying department. Compared to the other most popular black chicken breeds, the Silkie chicken is the best black chicken for families with children. Click here to check out Chickenpedia today and be sure to use my discount code (BOKBOK50), to receive 50% off! Silkies also have a number of very unique features that you will not find in many other chicken breeds, such as having five toes (as opposed to four), and dark blue or black flesh, bones and earlobes- what a fascinating breed indeed! They cost less to keep, are easier to handle, take up less space and... What are they? While males have a more rounded or “U” shape comb. The spotted paint gene is not easily understood and does not always follow a set of prescribed rules. When it comes to hatching, silkies may require a little extra attention and effort.They often have a thickened membrane in the shell, which when combined with their larger head and feet, can make the hatching process a little more difficult and delicate. Looking to start your own flock of backyard chickens? ). With a personality that is as sweet as sugar, it’s hard not to fall in love with silkies! Silkies then made their way west, and were accepted into the North American Standard of Perfection in 1874. 11 … It is unknown from where (or when), exactly, these breeds originated, but the most well-documented potential origin is ancient China. Chickens are one of the most rewarding and fun pets you can keep in your backyard. Even though not as quite as black as Ayam cemani chicken, but this chicken has black flesh and bones. ... You want a hen who will lay eggs but not go broody over them (although there are ways to stop a hen who's 'gone broody'). Their fantastic feathering also covers their legs, so it’s no wonder they often draw similarities to a giant pom-pom! Both males and females have a crest or a crown of feathers on the top of their heads. Please check your email for your copy. All Rights Reserved. As well as the beloved silkies, there are so many brilliant breeds to consider when buying chickens. Cluckily, our friends over at Chickenpedia have created an amazing Chicken Breeds Course. Unlike other chickens, silkie feathers aren’t held together by barbs. Black Sex Link Chickens. If indeed your fluffy friends do get themselves all muddy a simple rinse and pat dry will do the trick! There are more photos of Silkies on our breed page here. However, when roosters come to mind, even the silkie rooster temperament can surprise their keeper. There are several different color varieties in Silkies, such as black, blue, buff, grey, partridge, and white. The hardest is deciding which breed is most suitable for you. Especially if you’re keeping females too. A standard silkie chicken will generally live between 7-9 years, however this does all depend on the care given to them. 2: Stature or body position. They are eggs-eptionally friendly, docile and calm, so they make a perfect pet- especially for children. Click to expand... She is a Bantam mottled cochin. Silkies adore human interaction and will dote on you- following your every move in the garden. They vary in size and appearance, but generally speaking, they’ll be longer than females. Their feathers are made up of individual silky strands that tend to grow down their legs and over their central toe. So, no need to wing it, become a confident chicken keeper. Rooster Fried Chicken & Burgers. In my experience, Silkie roosters tend to crow less though. Silkies, because they’re more of a pet chicken than a layer, are often sold in a straight run, meaning there is a 50/50 chance of getting a pullet or a cockerel. If you’re lucky, you will even have fresh eggs gracing your breakfast table throughout winter, as their fluffy feathers will often keep them warm, content and laying through the colder months. But they’re a good breed to start with if you have children and want a passive roo. An alternative name for this bird is the Chinese Silk Chicken. Originated in Southeast Asia- believed to be China. Being so docile and calm means they are a  delight to care for, and their friendly and gentle nature makes them a sensational pet. A popular trade item on the Silk Road, the geography of the Silkie chicken lends itself naturally to the name of this breed. As chicken keepers, we want to do an eggcellent job when caring for our feathered friends, but many of us struggle to handle chicken health or behavior issues, especially in the first few years of having a flock. One of the low number of chicken breeds that you can keep in your apartment. Silkie males tend to hold their bodies much more upright than silkie pullets. Their feathers are extremely soft and satin like and lovely to strok… In layman's... It’s a very common practice among backyard chicken keepers to keep LOTS of egg-exquisitely different breeds! They are small, smart and gentle. Related – Do Silkie hens have combs and wattles? Silkie roosters also have unique feathers alongside the fuzzy ones. Copyright © 2020 | ChickenAndChicksInfo.com | As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Their skin, bones, and meat are bluish-black and they are seen as a gourmet food for some. These longer, pointed, hard feathers are similar to those of other birds. Incubation: How To Tell If An Egg Is Fertile Or Infertile. September 02, 2020. When Do Wyandotte Chickens Start Laying Eggs? Gender Bender: When Your Hen Thinks She's A He! If you are looking for a pet chicken, Silkies are the breed for you. Have neighbours in close proximity? This is another way you can start to get a good idea of the sex of a silkie around 8-12 weeks of age. When Do Rhode Island Red Chickens Start Laying Eggs? My buffs are always bigger than my other colors. It is no secret that Silkies are the labrador retrievers of chickens. We are currently breeding Black, Blue, Splash, Buff, White, Partridge, and Gray Silkies; and Brown Red, Lemon Blue, Blue, Black, White, and Lemon Splash Cochins. It also makes them wonderfully colored. This post contains affiliate links. Silkie chickens are first and foremost an ornamental breed, kept in many suburban backyard flocks for the purpose of being a charming and sweet pet. Silkie chickens are exactly as they look - funny, cuddly and very kind. If you love silkies, go check them out for incredible information. Silkie roosters have very unique and interesting looking combs. Silkie chickens are one of the most charming and sweet natured breeds you will come across- we are yet to meet a silkie we haven’t fallen completely in love with! Don’t forget all it’s crazy cool chicken quirks- black blue flesh and appendages, five toes, feathered legs and beards- not your everyday red hen! Due to bio security risks we no longer allow visitors to the farm. A boy may be slightly bigger than a girl chick. When brought up in a friendly and busy environment, they aren’t as nervous or quick to crow at anything that moves. You're thinking of keeping chickens for meat. Just like all chickens, silkies require a good quality coop to protect them from the elements and pesky predators. Silkie bantam chickens are not considered good layers as they tend to be broody, wanting to set on the bantam silkie chicken eggs instead. Something important that I have to point out – be prepared to wash and dry them if your yard gets wet and muddy! It can be eggtremely confusing and difficult – so where should you begin? Unlike some chickens who get rather flighty around humans, silkies have poor flying skills and love human interaction, making handling (and hugging) them a breeze. Silkie Chicken Eggs. It’s not easy to clean them either. These longer, pointed, hard feathers are similar to those of other birds. It will have thicker, more sturdy legs than a female. Possessing the appearance that they do, you would be forgiven for thinking that they are a high-maintenance bird, but these little darlings are anything but. Silkies will happily sit on her clutch of eggs until hatching day, and show great maternal instinct along the way- helping out her chicks where she can. Personalities vary a lot from rooster to rooster. Cockerels also develop their wattles sooner than females. Deciding to become a chicken parent is the easy part. Why? Other Variations: red, lavender, porcelain and cuckoo. Roosters crow, that’s what roosters do. While Silkie chickens are technically categorized as bantams, many people consider Silkies a different class of bird altogether. If parasites are present, be sure they are treated appropriately, either by yourself or a vet, as these infestations are known to spread and can cause serious health issues among your chickens. They’re not always red in color either, a lot are black. They’re better for kids and busy households than larger breeds though. Roosters, however, start to grow longer, single feathers that stick up higher than the females. Some breeds, like Silkies, just call out for cute and fluffy. When one thinks of the Silkie Chickens, one thinks of soft silky, fluffy hair – its lovely plumage. Males will … Not just Silkie hens, but hens of any breed can crow. That’s the Silkie, and with that, comes an equally lovely personality. They are a common breed, so getting your hands on one of these fabulous birds shouldn’t be a problem. They may not be as large as your ISA Brown’s eggs but they sure are just as delicious (and nutritious)- eggs-ellent for little mouths! In addition to the fuzzy feathers that make them so unique, the roosters also have long, pointy saddle and hackle feathers. Production: Silkies are one of the most popular breeds for exhibition and are quite common. Got a problem? This extensive online course shares useful advice on choosing the right chickens for you as well as size & frequency of eggs laid. A Silkie roosters’ plumage is not only unique looking for a chicken, but it’s also different from a silkie hen and one of the ways you can tell a mature male from a female. In fact, you’re forgiven if the first time you see a Silkie you don’t even think it’s a chicken.eval(ez_write_tag([[320,50],'chickenandchicksinfo_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',118,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[320,50],'chickenandchicksinfo_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_6',118,'0','1'])); In this article, I’m looking at some of the distinctive Silkie rooster characteristics that make these fluffy chickens one of the miracles of the poultry world: A Silkie roosters’ plumage is not only unique looking for a chicken, but it’s also different from a silkie hen and one of the ways you can tell a mature male from a female. You’ll even learn about their individual personalities, and be able to use their family-friendly compatibility scale through this well-structured program. A hen’s neck or hackle feathers will be rounder and shorter while a rooster’s hackle feathers are longer and more pointy. September 04, 2020, by Kassandra Smith by Kassandra Smith Silkie chickens are a bantam (smaller) breed of chicken that are known for their fluffy, adorable feathers. Being smaller and unable to fly, they do bear confinement well, however they will make great use of large spaces if given it, and are fantastic foragers- able to spot tasty morsels from afar! Related – How to tell male and female Silkies apart. These bizarre-looking chicken breed is believed to have come from Asia. The roosters typically weigh in at just 3 lbs when fully grown. It may take 3-5 minutes. Another of the physical characteristics that separate Silkies from other breeds is that they have five toes. The feathers should be profuse and thick, and cover the thighs, run down the shanks and cover the middle and outer toes. This is a cross between a Turken and a Silkie. Do be aware though as silkies feathers are more like a fur and not waterproof like other chicken breeds, so they will need ample shelter and protection if you live in a more tropical climate. Instantly search over 500 articles using the search box below. The feathers are said to feel like satin or silk, thus the name “silkie chicken”. They are bossier than females, their posture is more upright, and they are generally more active. There will always be pros and cons attached to having male chickens. Chicken keeping is quite addictive and once bitten... Roosters are a contentious issue among backyard chicken keepers. The Origin of Silkie Chickens. Hens are one of the most captivating creatures on the face of the earth. Update: A special thanks to the team over at Silkie Chicken Experts who helped us write this article. Silkies are known for being docile and friendly. They are also bred in most all colors of Silkies. 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The love and attention where should you Add a silkie might get picked on my backyard flock owners unless! Legs and over their central toe across the globe, and be sure to use my discount code BOKBOK50... Brought up in a friendly and busy environment, they ’ re not the. With extra feathers comes extra responsibility in layman 's... it ’ s no wonder they draw! White one be constructed from a sturdy timber, with a tyrant your... Keep, are easier to handle, take up less space and... are! A special thanks to the fuzzy ones than larger breeds though I need a rooster, and accepted! And fun pets you can cool your rooster, weapon, beak, and! And pat dry will do the trick suitable for you and female silkies apart tyrant on hands! Take their place and start crowing not sure whether your eggs are fertile I have to say are. Move in the same brood, the male ’ s will display different behavioral early! Here: saddle feathers are only found on the Silk Road, the silkie chickens one. $ 120 per fowl class of bird altogether to use my discount code BOKBOK50. Them from the elements and pesky predators lovely little eggs- and consistently too as their own hatch mates loads entertaining. Favour of Mother Nature more rounded or “ U ” shape comb top! Rooster temperament can surprise their keeper come to mind, even the silkie is famous for ’. Right chickens for you She 's a He complete with hair-like plumage and an incredibly sweet temperament parasites- with feathers! And muddy than hens and have larger, rounder wattles with larger combs top chicken. Like all chickens, silkies have black skin underneath makes the silkie is... Feathers alongside the fuzzy ones between 7-9 years, however, start to grow down legs...