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Really?! I had no clue that silkies were flightless! Although, it makes alot of sense, now that I think about it!! You have to tell me, do they still try to fly and roost in high "perches" and whatnot?
Mostly, I would think the things couldnt walk right. I have never studied bird anatomy, but dont birds use their wings to balance theirselves? lol, I know its mean, but I would love to see one of them running!
Actually, there are lots of flightless birds. Penguins for example, mind you they do have wings, but on the whole I would think they had it a bit harder with those stubby little legs. Ostrich, Emu, Rea, Kiwi, Cassowaries, Kakapo (one of the rarest parrots in the world, and also a nocturnal bird), and a bunch of others. Some of these have wings and some do not, so flightless birds are not altogether rare. The main difference here is that the flightless chicken got it's flightless characteristics in one generation as a result of a genetic mutation whereas natural flightless birds evolved that way over many many generations so are more adapted to there lack of flight.
Interesting. Here is a 1950 narrated film about the birds. Hatched from US eggs flown to Britain. It explains their genetics and management needs. Came from a breeding of White Minorcas and White Brahmas. http://www.britishpathe.com/video/wingless-chicks
Best,
Karen