Silkie Chicken
Other name(s): Silky Chicken; Chinese Silkie Chicken; Bearded Silkie; Bantam Silkie; Standard Silkie
Scientific name: Gallus gallus domesticus
Country / Place of origin: Asia / Netherlands
History: The Silkie Chicken is a small, unique breed of poultry aptly named for its fluffy plumage that is said to feel like silk. Originating in Southeast Asia, most likely in China, sometime before the 1200s, the first written record of silkie chickens comes from Marco Polo, who wrote of chickens with fur-like feathers from his Asian travels in the 13th century. Silkies made their way West via the Silk Route and were officially accepted into the North American Standard of Perfection in 1874. Today, Silkie chickens come in bearded and non-beaded varieties.
Current Uses: Ornamental, pets, brooders and meat.
Appearance: The most striking feature of the Silkie is it’s fluffy, silk-like plumage; however, the differences from other breeds of chickens don’t stop there. Silkies are also unique because of their dark blue flesh and bones, blue earlobes, crests, and five (as opposed to four) toes on each foot. Individuals can also have beards and muffs.
The American Bantam Association recognizes six standard colors of Silkies including: black, blue, buff, white, partridge, splash and gray. However, other colors are being worked on such as: red, lavender, porcelain, paint, and cuckoo.
In many countries the Silkie is only found bantam sized. However, largefowl Silkies do exist.
Bantam Weight UK: Cock 22 oz, Hen 18 oz.
Bantam Weight USA: Cock 36 oz, Hen 32 oz.
Largefowl Weight: Cock 4 lb, Hen 3lb.
Average weight: N/A
Lifespan: 8 - 12 years
Grooming: Silkies should be checked over weekly for lice, mites, and changes in health. Dust baths should always be available to Silkies, and should you find mites and lice, a chicken friendly pesticides should be used.
Silkies also have the potential to get very dirty, depending on their housing. You may need to bath your Silkies with warm water and mild soap.
Diet: Silkies do well on a basic commercial diet. When hens are of laying age, they should be supplied with layer pellets so they get enough calcium and protein. Birds should also be supplemented with fresh fruits, veggies, bugs, and grit if not permitted to free-range. Fresh and clean water must always be available.
Housing: Silkies need extra care to stay safe, clean, and happy. Silkies cannot fly well, so nesting boxes and roosts should be close to the ground. They also can have difficulties fleeing and seeing predators, so they should be kept in a safe enclosed pen, with at least three square feet per bird. Pens should also be well-drained, and as dry as possible. Silkies should not be expected to walk in the mud, or snow accumulation.
Health issues: Silkies have a docile nature, and their inability to fly tends to keep them lower on the pecking order if they are housed in a mixed breed flock. Special care should be taken to make sure they are not bullied.
Birds can also develop problems with lice and mites. Check periodically for eggs (neck and head regions) and bugs (vent and crest) and treat with a chicken friendly pesticide. Legs should also be checked to make sure birds do not have leg mites. If your bird has leg mites, it’s leg scales will be raised. Rub cooking oil on their legs to suffocate the mites, and rehydrate the scales.
Due, to Silkies vaulted skulls, birds are more prone to suffer from brain damage. This is linked to vitamin and mineral shortages, or an actual injury to the head.
Silkies are very broody, and can be difficult to break from a nest. Try not to let your hens brood over 24 days, as this can be trying on your hen’s body. The longer she broods the longer she is without proper nutrients, sunlight, and exercise.
Silkie's should not be expected to walk on wet, or snowy ground. Snow can collect into ice-balls on their toes, which can cause frostbite. If you let your Silkies range, check them daily for ice-balls, and remove them as necessary.
Otherwise, Silkies should be hardy and healthy animals. They tend to do well in any climate, but bird’s should be observed and made comfortable during extreme temperatures. If kept with proper housing, feed, parasite control and treatment, and care your Silkies should live comfortably for years.
Behavior / Temperament / Activity level: Silkies are very docile, and make excellent pets and parenting fowl. Both, hens and roosters tend to be very mothering, and most hens will adopt chicks if they are broody.
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