The Silkie Chicken originated in China or Southeast Asia. One of the first references to the Silkie appears in the writings of Marco Polo in the XVIII century, upon his return from China. He wrote about all the wonders he saw there. One of the wonders he mentions is this kind of chicken. Marco Polo in his writings speaks of a hairy hen. It is called something like the “silk chicken” in China. In the United States in the year 1874 the breed the silkie chicken was recognized.
Nowadays is one of the most popular breeds of hens. The name of the Silkie chicken owes its name to the atypical and fluffy form of its plumage. When you touch the plumage you feel that it is as soft and fine as silk. Its plumage is similar to the hair of cats and its color is so bright. They are usually a little smaller than those found on other continents. Of course, I have not said that its place of origin, although it is a little uncertain, seems to be East Asian.
Characteristics of Silkie Chicken
The Silkie Chicken has several other unusual qualities, such as black skin, of course not seen because of the feathers. Another peculiarity is that the lobes of the ears are blue. It has five fingers in each leg, whereas the majority of the chickens only have four. You Can Also Read Duck Farming Here
The chicken is exhibited in shows of poultry, showing their different colors or hairstyles, due to their curious anatomy. The Silkies chicken are known for having a friendly temperament and for being calm. It is the most docile poultry of all and we could consider it as a good pet. The hens of this breed are considered clues.
Hens can lay up to three eggs a week, and it is used as a hen that incubates the eggs of other breeds of other bird species. They lay small eggs, with large deep yellow buds, rarely seen in the traditional whitish colors of others. They lay 3-5 eggs a week.
The Silkie Chicken is a Bantam hen. This breed comes in two varieties, with a beard, and without a beard. The color of the plumage of this race is: black, beige, blue, gray, spotted, white and partridge. His face is characterized by large dark eyes and his head is crowned by a kind of beautiful and round bow.
Food
The food is similar to that of other poultry, omnivorous that scavenges its food by scratching the ground with its 5-fingered legs. You should feed them twice a day or allow them access to food throughout the day. They peck the soil all the time and feed on insects and worms. This breed love worms and worms.
They need fresh water at all times. A small Silkie chicken can drink up to half a liter of water a day when the weather is hot. So make sure your drinking fountains are always filled with water.
Usage
The Silkie Chicken is an ornamental bird, and its meat is not very popular because of its black or gray color. Hen is a good egg-laying, but not prolific since she has a tendency to become clueca. The female Silkies chicken is a very good mother, often used for incubating eggs of other birds.
Special Feature
The flesh of this breed is highly prized by people in East Asia. The flesh, skin and even bones have a dark tonality, something that insight is truly strange. There should be enough space for them to cuddle during the night.
The good thing about Silkies is that they are small, so you can have lots of chickens, in a small area. Silkies do not fly much, so you will not have to cut their wings, but if you have other types of chickens, you may need them.
Because they do not fly much are usually rather cautious and do not venture too far from home. Thanks to their character, they are the ideal pets for children.
Due to their short feathers, they do not withstand extreme temperatures. Their feathers are completely different from the rest of the birds. Since the feathers have a downward fall and are very silky, they come to look like hair.
Chicken Profile
| Chicken name | Silkie Chicken |
| Other Name | Any |
| Chicken Purpose | It is an ornamental bird and for its character is good to have as a pet. |
| Feather color | Black, beige, blue, gray, spotted, white and partridge. |
| Egg Color | Cream |
| Weight | 1.3 to 1.8 kg |
| Climate Tolerance | Warm climates |
| Country of Origin | China and Southeast Asia |
FAQ
What is special about silkie chickens?
Silkie chickens are a unique breed of chicken that stands out from other breeds due to their fluffy feathers and calm demeanor. Their feathers are unlike any other breed, as they look more like fur than feathers. This makes them incredibly soft to the touch and gives them a unique look.
What Color eggs do Silkies lay?
Silkies are a breed of chicken that are known for their fluffy, soft feathers. They lay small eggs that can range in color from white to blue-green. The shade of the eggshell will depend on the particular variety of Silkie. Some Silkies lay white eggs, while others may lay eggs with a light blue or green tint. Generally speaking, Silkies tend to have lighter colored eggs than other breeds of chickens.
What does silkie chicken taste like?
Silkie chickens have a unique flavor that is often described as being sweet and delicate. The meat is tender and juicy, with a slightly gamey taste. It has a distinctive texture that is quite different from other poultry, making it popular among those who enjoy exotic flavors. The skin of silkie chickens is also quite flavorful and can be cooked in various ways to maximize its flavor.
Conclusion
If you are thinking about raising chickens, or have already started to raise them, the Silkie breed is one that might be worth considering. The uniqueness of this chicken’s coloring and physical features make it stand out from other breeds available for purchase. But there are some drawbacks—the Silkie has a low rate of laying eggs, which can make it difficult for backyard chicken farmers who want to produce their own eggs at home. Still interested? Learn more by reading our article on all things related to silkies!
As A Reference: Wikipedia
