Silkie feather colors and patterns. The larger males which I have three are around 3 pounds, then I have 2 more male Silkies that his weigh around 1+1/4 pound. 6. Their feathers lack functioning barbicels, and are thus similar to down on other birds. 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. Hens are also exceptionally broody, and care for young well. No matter what color their feathers are, Silkies have black skin, meat, and bones. They include silkies, Cochins, Brahmas, and sultans. Silkie Chicks - under 1 week old All 3 feather types possible - Silkied, Satin/Smooth or Frizzled. However, even standard Silkies are relatively small chickens, with the males weighing only four pounds (1.8 kg), and females weighing three pounds (1.36 kg).The American Standard of Perfection calls for males that are 36 ounces (1 kg), and females that are 32 ounces (910 grams).I have both sizes of Silkie. Silkie.org is supported by its readers. There are two sizes of Silkie: 1. Buy freshly milled organic chicken feed shipped direct from the fields of the midwest. Their capacity for incubation, which has been selectively bred out of most fowl bred especially for egg production, is often exploited by poultry keepers by allowing Silkies to raise the offspring of other birds. The miniature or bantam Silkie - These are small with the males topping the scales at 600g (22ozs) and hens at 500g (18ozs). The sizzle feathering is similar to the regular Silkie feathers except it's fluffier and more delicate, like down or the marabou trim on lingerie. Several studies of feather development in the embryos of modern birds, coupled with the distribution of feather types among various prehistoric bird precursors, have allowed scientists to attempt a reconstruction of the sequence in which feathers first evolved and developed into the types found on modern birds. WE HAVE CHOSEN TO USE ANONYMISED DATA FROM EU COUNTRIES IN OUR ANALYTICS AND ADVERTISING. Through 2 separate variants, Silkies appear: bearded or unbearded. Notice how the pullet's crest feathers poof out in every direction while the cockerel's are more combed back. However, even standard Silkies are relatively small chickens, with the males weighing only four pounds (1.8 kg), and females weighing three pounds (1.36 kg). [3] The American Standard of Perfection calls for males that are 36 ounces (1 kg), and females that are 32 ounces (910 grams). Bearded Silkies get an additional feather muffle beneath a beak area which covers earlobes. Below: A bantam silkie hen in a showcage. The hens weigh 4-5 pounds each. WE DO NOT ACCEPT ANY LIABILITY ARISING FORM SUCH ERRORS, OMISSIONS, LOST OF DATA, INTERRUPTIONS OR DELAYS OR ANY ONGOING OBLIGATION OR RESPONSIBILITY TO OPERATE THIS WEBSITE OR IN THE PROVISION OF ITS SERVICES. Genes produce traits that we can see such as feather type, color, body shape, number of toes, etc., Feather color is determined by genes that produce certain types of pigment. Silkie Chickens Pet Chickens Raising Chickens Chickens Backyard Feather Crafts Feather Art Colorful Feathers Bird Feathers Chicken Anatomy. Silkies are considered a bantambreed in some countries, but this varies according to region and many breed standards class them officially as large fowl; the bantam Silkie is actually a separate variety most of the time. Below: A bantam silkie hen in a showcage. 3. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Below: A bearded Silkie with a large tuft on its chin. They are often kept as ornamental fowl or pet chickens by backyard keepers, and are also commonly used to incubate and raise the offspring of other chickens and waterfowl like ducks and geese and game birds such as quail and pheasants. Hackle feathers are the feathers on the back of your chicken's neck. They stand alone in the chicken world as being the only breed to have this furry appearance.. She has a long history that runs all the way from the ancient Chinese dynasties, travelling the Silk road to eastern Europe and then across the Atlantic to modern day America. Bearded Silkies get an additional feather muffle beneath a beak area which covers earlobes. Aside from the regular solid colors, they come in several patterns, including cuckoos, partridge, and splash. However, even standard Silkies are relatively small chickens, with the males weighing only four pounds (1.8 kg), and females weighing three p… For other uses, see, "Genetic study of black chickens shed light on mechanisms causing rapid evolution in domestic animals", "Disruption of a long-range cis-acting regulator for Shh causes preaxial polydactyly", "Skeletal Analysis and Characterization of Gene Expression Related to Pattern Formation in Developing Limbs of Japanese Silkie Fowl", "Hyperpigmentation in the Silkie fowl correlates with abnormal migration of fate-restricted melanoblasts and loss of environmental barrier molecules", 10.1002/1097-0177(20010301)220:3<212::AID-DVDY1105>3.0.CO;2-9, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Silkie&oldid=1007777188, Articles with dead external links from July 2020, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 19 February 2021, at 21:54. A popular trade item on the Silk Road, the geography of the Silkie chicken lends itself naturally to the name of this breed. Silkie feather type is recessive so you need both parents to carry a gene to get silkie feathered birds. Silkies are mistaken to be bantams (small poultry breed), but bantam silkie is actually a different breed, which is visibly smaller than the original. Black silkie chicken, white, blue, gold, or partridge. We also have several showgirls (naked neck silkies) in this pen. [1], Silkies appear in two distinct varieties: bearded and non-bearded. Alternative hues, such as cuckoo, lavender, red, and splash also exist. 1.1 Silkie 1.2 Belgian Bearded d’Uccle Bantam 1.3 Belgian d’Anvers Bantam 1.4 Booted Bantam 1.5 Japanese Bantam 1.6 Sebright Bantam 1.7 Serama Bantam 1.8 Sultan Bantam 1.9 Rosecomb Bantam 1.10 Dutch Bantam Keeping chickens is a good way to get good organic eggs, meat and fertilizer. The colors may be Blue, Black, Splash, Partridge, White, Lavender, and Combinations , ( All feather types are possible in all pens) and will be no older than 3 days at time of shipment, [16] The genetic cause behind Silkie polydactyly differs from those that cause polydactyly in the Dorking chicken breed, which is due to ectopic FGF4 expression in the AER, with ectopic SHH a secondary effect. Other breeds of chicken that have crests include Crevecoeur, Houdan, Sultan, and Polish. 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. It has been compared to silk, and to fur. They also are separated according to color. Early Dutch breeders told buyers they were the offspring of chickens and rabbits,[3] while sideshows promoted them as having actual mammalian fur. They are the result of crossing Transylvanian Naked Necks with Silkies. This breed chicken is very easy to maintain. A silkie breeder group told me that they are not really silkies if they are that large and that hatchery silkies are crossbred with whatever is available. It is among the most docile of poultry. They are very friendly birds. Almost all North American strains of the breed are bantam-sized, but in Europe the standard-sized is the original version. This is the desired feather type for most breeds. [3], All Silkies have black or bluish skin, bones and grayish-black meat; their Chinese language name is wu gu ji (烏骨雞[9]), meaning 'black-boned chicken'. [8] In contrast, several Asian cuisines consider Silkie meat a gourmet food. The Japanese Silkie initially develops additional digits in the wing as an embryo, but these are lost prior to hatching. The Silkie and several other breeds descended from Asian stock possess the mutation. [8] The usual methods of cooking include using Silkie to make broth, braising, and in curries. A popular trade item on the Silk Road, the geography of the Silkie chicken lends itself naturally to the name of this breed. Silkie Chicken Temperament. There is no doubt that the Silkie is a very old breed, probably of Chinese origin. Other awesome Silkie traits include their black or blueish skin, feathered feet, and five toes instead of the usual four. Colors of Silkie recognized for competitive showing include black, blue, buff, grey, partridge, and white. The Staff of the feather is the base part of the quill that anchors it to the chicken. Silkie chickens also have beautiful, soft, fluffy feathers which are unlike those of other hard-feathered poultry. The overall result is a soft, fluffy appearance. Silkies meat is used in China as a type of healing medicine and used for female fertility issues. [1] The earliest surviving written account of Silkies comes from Marco Polo, who wrote of a "furry" chicken in the 13th century during his travels in Asia. Their feathers are distinctively fluffy, and as a consequence, they must always be sheltered from the elements as their feathers are not waterproof. There are some exceptions, like the silkie which has no quill in the feather. The Showgirl Silkie is a Silkie crossed with a Turken Chicken to get the naked necks. There are several different color varieties in Silkies, such as black, blue, buff, grey, partridge, and white. In fact, to increase the crest size, exhibition Silkies are sometimes crossed with Polish. It is unknown from where (or when), exactly, these breeds originated, but the most well-documented potential origin is ancient China. Hens choice means the eggs may come from two or more pens! I bought a clutch of silkie chicks from a breeder last year and they are now fully grown and equal in size to my leghorns. [6][7] It has been compared to silk,[8] and to fur. The Silkie chicken eggs taste like a regular egg, but smaller. Not all the sub-types are allowed in the standards. Almost all North American strains of the breed are bantam-sized, but in Europe the standard-sized is the original version. Silkie Feather Patterns. Scaly Leg mite (Cnemidocoptes mutans) Scaly Leg Mite is a parasite common to many silkies, and may be due in part to the leg feathering making them a more attractive option than a clean legged bird. Other breeds which exhibit this rare trait include the Dorking, Faverolles, and Sultan. However, in Europe, Silkies come in both ‘large’ (i.e., regular-sized) and ‘bantam’ types. The entire body of the silkie should be covered in abundant fluff and the wings should be ragged, almost shredded or tattered looking. Below is a simple chart that explains some of the genes responsible for Blue, Black, and Splash Silkies. Disadvantages of Silkie Chicken Breed: They are very poor layers. Let’s take a … Down feathers are thos with no hooks and have a fluffy apperance. Includes photos, video and information about various breeds of fowl, including chickens, ducks, geese, … The breed was recognized officially in North America with acceptance into the Standard of Perfection in 1874. However, in Europe, Silkies come in both ‘large’ (i.e., regular-sized) and ‘bantam’ types. Silkie feather colors and patterns Silkies come in 7 official varieties. We also have several showgirls (naked neck silkies) in this pen. An on-line zoological garden of domestic poultry. [14][15] This causes ectopic SHH expression in the anterior of the developing limb bud, leading to increased tissue growth and digits. The feather structure itself is missing the barbs that come out from the middle shaft and give the feather its shape. [8] Melanism which extends beyond the skin into an animal's connective tissue is a rare trait, and in chickens it is caused by fibromelanosis, which is a rare mutation believed to have begun in Asia. In addition to their distinctive physical characteristics, Silkies are well known for their calm, friendly temperament. Silkie chickens were officially recognized in North America in 1874, gaining acceptance into the Standard of Perfection. The Silkie chicken is loved by many for their unusual appearance and furry feathers. 2. [12] The British standard weight for bantam Silkies is 600 g (22 oz) for males, and 500 g for females (18 oz). [1], In the American Standard of Perfection, the standard male weight for the bantam Silkie is 1 kg (36 oz) (12in)and for the female, 907 g (32 oz)(10in). [3] In 1598, Ulisse Aldrovandi, a writer and naturalist at the University of Bologna, Italy, published a comprehensive treatise on chickens which is still read and admired today. How to stop chickens sleeping in the nest box, Why chickens eat their own eggs and how to stop it, Should you feed and water inside the coop, Like my content? O ffering 8 Silkie Hatching Eggs (Hen's Choice, All Feather Types Possible). The overall result is a soft, fluffy appearance. Image above: The structure of a feather. An alternative name for this bird is the Chinese Silk Chicken. Black silkie chicken, white, blue, gold, or partridge. 3. Though they are fair layers themselves, laying only about three eggs a week, they are commonly used to hatch eggs from other breeds and bird species due to their broody nature. Hens choice means the eggs may come from two or more pens! In this blog post, Lawrence Beeken provides some information on diseases that he has found are common to the Silkie breed of chicken. In the United States, Silkies are considered bantam chickens, which are very small breeds. 3-4 CHICKS LEFT!!! In this blog post, Lawrence Beeken provides some information on diseases that he has found are common to the Silkie breed of chicken. Bearded Silkies have a muff around their faces. As early as the 7th century, traditional Chinese medicine has held that chicken soup made with Silkie meat is a curative food. The feather structure itself is missing the barbs that come out from the middle shaft and give the feather its shape. There are other unusual feather types called sizzle, frizzle, and frazzle, and they don't (at the time of this writing) have a breed named after their feather types. The Silkie has extreme feathers which look more like fluff or hair. [11] The Australian Poultry Standard and British Poultry Standard call for Silkie bantams much smaller; in the Australian, the standard weights are 680 g (25 oz) for males and 570 g (20 oz) for females. In the United States, Silkies are considered bantam chickens, which are very small breeds. Almost all North American strains of the breed are bantam-sized, but in Europe the standard-sized is the original version. They are often exhibited in poultry shows, and appear in various colors. These charts shows the many different feather variations and markings of chickens. The Silkie chicken is loved by many for their unusual appearance and furry feathers. 2. The Origin of Silkie Chickens. [17], Silkies lay a fair number of eggs, of a cream color, but production is often interrupted due to their extreme tendency to go broody; a hen will produce 100 eggs in an ideal year. So, I have a fluffy, silkie-feathered chicken, but it's too big to be a silkie. In displays, only Cuckoo / Splash and A.O.C Silkies could be entered throughout the non-standard Silkie class. The Silkie is an Asian bird that makes a great pet due to its stunning appearance and great gentle nature. Raising chickens and looking after poultry. The first flock consists of blue, black and splash (BBS) birds in all four silkie feather types: standard silkies, frizzled silkies, and satin silkies (frizzled/smooth). Standard fowl - Large Fowl Silkies weigh in at 1.8 kg (4lbs) for the males and the hens at 1.36kg (3lbs). Scaly Leg mite (Cnemidocoptes mutans) Scaly Leg Mite is a parasite common to many silkies, and may be due in part to the leg feathering making them a more attractive option than a clean legged bird. The Origin of Silkie Chickens. [10] Disregarding color, the breed does not generally produce as much as the more common meat breeds of chicken. There are three main faults that can be seen in silkie … This is not the case everywhere in the world, some places only have the bantam.There are two other types as well, Silkies can also be bearded or without beards and showgirl silkies have the naked neck gene. PM Jody Dufner Rhodes or … Silkies get their name from this special type of feather that feels more like fluffy fur than a feather! Because of their gentle and docile nature, they make wonderful pets and adapt quickly to attention and handling by people. It is unknown exactly where or when these fowl with their singular combination of attributes first appeared, but the most well documented point of origin is ancient China. Chicks from this flock can hatch out with any of the four feather types with the possibility of hatching showgirls. Their feathers lack functioning barbicels, and are thus similar to down on … Silkie plumage was once unique among chicken breeds, however in recent years silkie feathering has been developed in several breeds, mostly notably the Chabo, where it is now standardised in Britain and the Netherlands. [3], The black meat of a Silkie is generally considered an unusual attribute in European and American cuisines. O ffering 8 Silkie Hatching Eggs (Hen's Choice, All Feather Types Possible). Should I get large fowl chickens or bantams. There are two types of Silkies, bearded and nonbearded Silkies. Silkies are excellent mothers. These bizarre-looking chicken breed is believed to have come from Asia. [13], Silkies are also known for their polydactyly, usually manifesting as an additional 1-2 digits in the foot. [5], In the 21st century, Silkies are one of the most popular and ubiquitous ornamental breeds of chicken. They have furry and fluffy feather which make them more attractive whey walk, and make them nice for petting. There are several recognized color varieties such as black, blue, buff, white, Columbian, red. In displays, only Cuckoo / Splash and A.O.C Silkies could be entered throughout the non-standard Silkie class. The "sizzle" is the fuzzy feathers underneath. Female above, male below. It is unknown from where (or when), exactly, these breeds originated, but the most well-documented potential origin is ancient China. Silkie feather type is recessive so you need both parents to carry a gene to get silkie feathered birds. They stand alone in the chicken world as being the only breed to have this furry appearance.. She has a long history that runs all the way from the ancient Chinese dynasties, travelling the Silk road to eastern Europe and then across the Atlantic to modern day America. The Silkie (also known as the Silky or Chinese silk chicken) is a breed of chicken named for its atypically fluffy plumage, which is said to feel like silk and satin. Areas where Chinese cuisine has a strong influence, such as Malaysia, may also cook Silkie. [4], Silkies most likely made their way to the West via the Silk Route and maritime trade. This White Silkie is showing off her unique feather type. Chicks from this flock can hatch out with any of the four feather types with the possibility of hatching showgirls. Some fabulous feather variations of silkie chickens include cuckoos, partridge and splash- … They all have only 4 hens each. Silkies are a friendly breed who are very easy to train to eat out of your hand. The frizzle has feathers which curl back on themselves all over the body. The Silkie chickens love attention and enjoy the company of humans. [1] Once Silkies became more common in the West, many myths were perpetuated about them. In addition to these defining characteristics, Silkies have five toes on each foot. Silkie hens are one of the most famous brooders, making them a great choice as foster mothers should you ever need a flock of chicks taken care of. How many types and sizes are there of silkie bantam?There are two sizes of Silkie:1. Traditional Chinese soup made with Silkie also uses ingredients such as wolfberries, Dioscorea polystachya (mountain yam), aged dried citrus peel, and fresh ginger. Their tendencies towards broodiness or setting on eggs are fantastic and Silkie hens will hatch and raise most any kind of poultry or fowl. Some Silkies have a vaulted skull, meaning the skull arches upward, giving it more surface area and thus making the crest more prominent. Although some say these feathers resemble fur, they do not serve as a protectant for the bird. WE ARE A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR US TO EARN FEES BY LINKING TO AMAZON AND AFFILIATED SITES.PRIVACY POLICY - THIS WEBSITES MAKES USE OF ANALYTICS, ADVERTISING AND AFFILIATE PROGRAMS WHICH USE COOKIES. The first flock consists of blue, black and splash (BBS) birds in all four silkie feather types: standard silkies, frizzled silkies, and satin silkies (frizzled/smooth). The evidence points quite strongly to Chinese origin, but it cannot be stated with complete certainty.It was first mentioned by Marco Polo (around 1290-1300) on his remarkable j… When you purchase through links on our site, I may earn an affiliate commission. Bearded Silkies have an extra muff of feathers under the beak area that covers the earlobes. Silkie is considered a bantam chicken (smaller fowl) with 5 toes. Showgirls are a modern sport of the silkie and have become increasingly popular recently. Recognized Silkie Color Types and Genetics . 5. [18] A few fusion restaurants in metropolitan areas of the West have also cooked it as a part of traditional American or French cuisine, such as in confit. The "frizzle" is the hard, curly feathers. [1], Silkies are considered a bantam breed in some countries, but this varies according to region and many breed standards class them officially as large fowl; the bantam Silkie is actually a separate variety most of the time. The colors may be Blue, Black, Splash, Partridge, White, Lavender, and Combinations , ( All feather types are possible in all pens) and will be no older than 3 days at time of shipment, 4. Article by Victor Onofrei. Frizzled feathers can happen on both barbed and not barbed feathers. Standard fowl - Large Fowl Silkies weigh in at 1.8 kg (4lbs) for the males and the hens at 1.36kg (3lbs). Silkie colours. 7. Through 2 separate variants, Silkies appear: bearded or unbearded. Types of Chickens With Feathered Feet Certain types of chickens are characterized by their feather feet. No hard looking feathers should be visible. 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. ABOUT AND CONTACT US - webmaster@clucking.net. Both boy and girl chickens have hackles, but rooster hackles (on silkies, often called "streamers") are much longer. Silkie. [8], This article is about a variety of a chicken. READ OUR FULL PRIVACY POLICY.DISCLAIMER - I MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THE INFORMATION ON THIS SITE IS ACCURATE, MAINTAINED TO A HIGH STANDARD AND UP TO DATE. The white Silkie; The partridge silkie; Frizzles, frazzles and Sizzles; Lavender Silkies; The Black Silkie chicken; Cuckoo Silkies; Red Silkies; Splash Silkies; Blue Silkies; Buff Silkies; Paint Silkies; Silkie feed blend; Silkies and parasites; Silkie problems and diseases; Showing Silkies; The Silkie cockerel; Types and sizes of silkie chickens The Silkie chicken breed is named after its feather type. Ideally, they should be shredded one third up the primary feathers. WE COLLECT NO PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE DATA ON OR FROM OUR VISITORS. I'm a little confused on the frizzle silkie feather types, what they are called, and what their offspring's feathers would be if they are bred with a normal silkie… Hillsboro, Tx Farm PU only. This characteristic leaves Silkies unable to fly. While the feet of the Silkie display polydactyly, the wings have the standard tridactyly (three digit) arrangement. Silkie chickens are fashionable little fellows and come in several different feather patterns besides their regular block colours of white, black, grey and brown.