Silkie Frenzy Farm

Silkies

These fluffy chickens are cute! They have the “awwwww” factor, so if you are looking for a pet chicken, get yourself a Silkie. These  chickens are gentle, quieter than most, docile and like people. They don’t fly well, and they don’t mind being confined. Their feathers are described as “soft,” “downy,” and “fur-like”. These birds do not have barbicels, which allows their feathers spread out rather than hold together which looks like fur.

Silkies are one of the most popular breeds for exhibition and are quite common. Silkie  chickens are not considered good layers as they tend to be broody, wanting to set on the bantam silkie chicken eggs instead. Their skin, bones, and meat are bluish-black and they are seen as a gourmet food for some.

While many Silkies are kept as pets, some breeders also keep them because they are exceptionally broody and good mothers. A Silkie will hatch just about any other kind of egg and will mother the chicks. Because they are so docile and good-natured that they do very well with kids.

History

► This breed is believed to have originated in China, although it is not known when. Experts are of the opinion that its place of origin could have even been either India or Java. Nevertheless, these birds are also called Chinese silk chicken, which more or less settles the debate about its place of origin.

► Silkies seemed to have traveled to Europe, having made the journey with traders using the Silk Route. In fact, the earliest surviving written account about them was actually penned by Marco Polo in the 13th century, mentioning a furry chicken, writing about his travels in Asia.

► It took some time before the breed got officially accepted in North America. Silkie chickens were officially recognized in North America in 1874, gaining acceptance into the Standard of Perfection.

Did You Know?

Silkies originated in China and found their way to Europe via the Silk Route. Their rather peculiar appearance had a few Dutch breeders spreading the rumor that these creatures were the result of a cross between chickens and rabbits.