Chicken Breed Focus - Silkie

[Hinotori]

Higher pitched because of their size. Still can be fairly loud.

The more of them you have, the more they crow in my experience. I limit how many males I have for breeding because of the stupid crowing contests they get in.

Doesn't help when you have some that will crow for attention.

 

[Plantiebee]

Hi everyone! New backyard chicken owner! We have 10 silkie chicks at home which are currently in the brooder We are a long way off from sexing any of them lol but it sure is fun to guess! Look forward to sharing their progress with you all, especially as they get fluffier and fluffier My 2 year old son is absolutely enamored

 

[denisebwills]

I have 6 silkies. They are were supposed to be pullers but at 10 weeks 2of them started crowing......grrrrrrr all three polish turned out to be Roos.

 

[Sandiemouse]

The Silkie breed was developed in the southeast Asian countries or China. It's named for its atypically fluffy plumage, which is said to feel like silk. The breed has several other unusual qualities, such as black skin and bones, blue earlobes, and five toes on each foot, whereas most other chickens only have four. They are often exhibited in poultry shows and come in various colors. It was valued as a medicinal food item in Asia, because of its black skin and bones, and was thought to be particularly good to reinforce body immunity and protect from emaciation and feebleness. It also is reported to treat diabetes, anemia, female reproductive functioning and postpartum disorders. Marco Polo gave the first accounts of Silkie chickens in the late 13th century. As trade route between East and West were established, the Silkie was brought to Europe. Records have shown that in the Netherlands, they were sold as the product of crossing a rabbit and a chicken!

Nowadays the breed is very popular for the purpose of pet chickens as well as exhibition. They are not good layers, averaging 3 eggs per week, but are known and valued for their exceptional broodiness and are often used for hatching eggs from other breeds. They are also considered very good pet chickens, especially for children and are known for their friendliness and docile temperaments.

The breed was officially recognized in North America by acceptance into the Standard of Perfection in the first year of publication which was 1874.

Details:

Detail Value
Breed Purpose Ornamental
Comb Walnut
Broodiness Frequent
Climate Tolerance All Climates
Egg Productivity Medium
Egg Size Small
Egg Color Light Brown
Breed Temperament Friendly,Easily handled,Calm,Bears confinement well,Quiet,Docile
Breed Colors/Varieties Grey, Blue, Splash, Partridge, Buff, Black, White are the standard colors with many off standard & derivative colors in existance today.


Pic by @RooptyDoo


Pic by @RooptyDoo


Pic by @Brody's Broodello


Pic by @Sustained


Pic by @CrazyChookLady5

BYC Breed reviews:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/silkie

Breed Discussion Threads:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/297632/silkie-thread/0_30
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/579215/silkie-sexing/0_30
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/690632/silkie-breeding-genetics-showing/0_30


Do you own Silkies? Are you a Silkie breeder? If so, please reply to this thread with the your thoughts and experiences, including:

· What made you decide to get this breed?
· Do you own them for fun? Breeding? Some other purpose?
· What are your favorite characteristics about this breed?
· Post some pics of your birds; male/female, chicks, eggs, etc!

 

[Sandiemouse]

My baby, Sunshine. She spends a lot of her time on my shoulder...lol

 

[Sylvester017]

My baby, Sunshine. She spends a lot of her time on my shoulder...lol

Sunshine is adorable -- but is she a Silkie?

 

[Sandiemouse]

Sunshine is adorable -- but is she a Silkie?

That's what I've been told.....what do you think?

 

[Sandiemouse]

Very sorry you lost Mini, your remainingold gal is beautiful hope she continues to hang around.

My heart is heavy for you with your loss. I'm a new mommie so I have yet to loss any of my babies. I dread that day...

 

[Sandiemouse]

View attachment 1434548 Catching the last of the sun on a chilly winter day.

Beautiful

 

[Sandiemouse]

I have three hens one of the ladys have just started to lay eggs, I want to try and hatch them. If she don't go broody, do you think my silkie will take over sitting on her Eggs?