Detailed breed information about Silkies. Origin, skin color, earlobe color, plumage (feather) color, broodiness, egg color, life span, plus photos, and video's are on this page.
Mr. Earl Silkie Rooster at CHOE.
Origin-Japan and China both claim the origin of Silkies. The first written record of Silkies is in the writing's of Marco Polo.
Silkies are considered one of the most beautiful, ornamental chickens, and are easily identified by their hair-like feathers, feathered feet, and mulberry colored skin. Silkies do not usually do very well in mixed breed flocks, as larger or more dominant breeds will pick at them, so it is better to keep them with their own kind, They come in a variety of colors with the most popular being white, black, buff, and blue but are also available in lavender, grey, and red. Another thing that makes Silkie's different than most other breeds is that they are crested, have feathered shanks and toes, and have a fifth toe.
Skin: Black or Blue skin almost a mulberry color on their face, comb, wattles & feet
Earlobes-turqoise or blue luminescent
Plumage: Very fine, silkie textured hair-like feathers
Broody-Silkies are well known to be very good brooder's, love to hatch baby chicks and are very good mother's
Egg color-Blue, Light green and sometimes off white or cream colored. (2)
Roosters-Protective, sweet natured
Can withstand temperatures between 45 F degrees-85F degrees
Breeding Silkies: See Breeding Silkies Information
Scroll down for more great tips and information about Silkies.
Silkies are considered one of the most beautiful, ornamental chickens, and are easily identified by their hair-like feathers, feathered feet, and mulberry colored skin. Silkies do not usually do very well in mixed breed flocks, as larger or more dominant breeds will pick at them, so it is better to keep them with their own kind, They come in a variety of colors with the most popular being white, black, buff, and blue but are also available in lavender, grey, and red. Another thing that makes Silkie's different than most other breeds is that they are crested, have feathered shanks and toes, and have a fifth toe.
Skin: Black or Blue skin almost a mulberry color on their face, comb, wattles & feet
Earlobes-turqoise or blue luminescent
Plumage: Very fine, silkie textured hair-like feathers
Broody-Silkies are well known to be very good brooder's, love to hatch baby chicks and are very good mother's
Egg color-Blue, Light green and sometimes off white or cream colored. (2)
Roosters-Protective, sweet natured
Can withstand temperatures between 45 F degrees-85F degrees
Breeding Silkies: See Breeding Silkies Information
Scroll down for more great tips and information about Silkies.
Featured Video: Silkie Chickens-About the Silkie Chicken Breed
"Silkie chickens are believed to have originated from China. Their fluffy feathers, black bones and skin ensure that they are almost always kept as pet chickens for eggs. In Europe and Australia, there are both standard size silkie chickens and bantam Silkies. In the United States and Canada, the only Silkies are bantams".
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Subscribe to my free online keeping chickens magazine at http://www.keepingchickensnewsletter.com
Silkies have a very docile and cute personality. Most love to be talked to and petted. Their silky soft feathers and sweet responsive disposition makes them the ideal pet chicken. See more below...
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Most Asked Questions About Silkies
Question: How long do Silkie Chickens live?
Answer: A well cared for Silkie can live as long as 10 years of age. On average a Silkie chickens life span is 7 to 9 years. My first Silkie lived to be 10 1/2 years of age (He was very pampered). In my experience, I have found that Silkie hens do not live as long as Silkie roosters, as my oldest Silkie hen lived only 7 years.
Question: What color eggs do Silkie's lay?
Answer: Silkies lay Blue, Light green and sometimes off white or cream colored eggs depending on which breed of Silkie they are. White Silkies generally lay cream colored or off white eggs.
Question: Can Silkie chickens fly?
Answer: No Silkies cannot fly. Their feathers are very fine. They are able to leap and flutter but are unable to actually fly which is another reason you should take extra care to protect your Silkie's from other pets and predators.
Question: Can I let my Silkie play in my garden?
Answer: Yes, Silkies do not tear up garden areas like other breeds do. Silkie's make a nice addition to your garden, they will eat insects that harm your plants.
Answer: A well cared for Silkie can live as long as 10 years of age. On average a Silkie chickens life span is 7 to 9 years. My first Silkie lived to be 10 1/2 years of age (He was very pampered). In my experience, I have found that Silkie hens do not live as long as Silkie roosters, as my oldest Silkie hen lived only 7 years.
Question: What color eggs do Silkie's lay?
Answer: Silkies lay Blue, Light green and sometimes off white or cream colored eggs depending on which breed of Silkie they are. White Silkies generally lay cream colored or off white eggs.
Question: Can Silkie chickens fly?
Answer: No Silkies cannot fly. Their feathers are very fine. They are able to leap and flutter but are unable to actually fly which is another reason you should take extra care to protect your Silkie's from other pets and predators.
Question: Can I let my Silkie play in my garden?
Answer: Yes, Silkies do not tear up garden areas like other breeds do. Silkie's make a nice addition to your garden, they will eat insects that harm your plants.
References:
- Photo: Red and white silkies. Baby Animals. (Sept. 11, 2016).https://www.facebook.com/BabyAnimalPics/photos
- Murray McMurray Hatchery. Retrieved June 6, 2015 from https://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/bantam_white_silkies.html
- Video: Ames, Stephen. (July 7, 2009). 072309 Playing with Silkies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h77Bcpk8s7g
- Wheel, machine, animal and chicken HD photo by Magdalena Smolnicka (@magdaleny) on Unsplash. (2019). Unsplash.com. Retrieved 3 March 2019, from https://unsplash.com/photos/3V42fKZvmWI
