Silkie

Silkies are a variety of chicken, believed to have originated in eastern Asia. Silkies have the appearance of a big fluffy ball of feathers; their unique appearance and quiet temperament mean they are often kept as pets. The hens easily become broody, and are considered excellent mothers; however, they are poor egg layers. Silkies have short legs, poor mobility, and cannot fly. As such, predators can be more of a problem for silkies than other breeds.

Silkies are generally small chickens, although not as small as bantams. Some bantam breeds do exist, but they are rare. Silkies are unique among chickens — both skin and bones are black. They also have five toes, whereas most chickens only have four.

Silkies are more susceptible to lice and scaly leg than other chickens, so regular inspections are important to ensure good health of the birds.

The American Bantam Association accepts six standard colors for silkies: black, blue, buff, white, partridge and gray. There are also two other colors: splash, and red. There are two varieties of silkie: bearded and non-bearded.

Marco Polo is reported to have encountered Silkies in China at the end of the 13th Century, were they were raised for the gourmet meat market.

Silkie is also an alternate spelling of Selkie, a mythical creature that can change between seal and human form.

References