Other areas through Southeast Asia, like India or Java, were named as potentialities. Spurs: medium size and length, set just above the 5th toe. These feathers help cover the chickens earlobes. Hardier than their bearded cousins they are more robust and a little smarter, they make great pets and back garden poultry. Buff Silkies are buff, golden-brown, or straw-colored chickens that occasionally have brown streaks, and they often have darker feathers in their tail area. Silkies are susceptible to many health problems like other types of chickens. Bows and coverts: Very well rounded. Feathers have several parts to them; the main part being the quill that grows from beneath the skin which tapers off up the center of the feather to become the shaft. (Bare middle toe a serious defect in either sex). You can also feed your Silkie a mash from bran, carrots, a couple of vegetables, and grated fruits such as apples or tomatoes. The Silkies have 5 toes rather than the usual one; the outer 2 toes are entirely feathered through chickens. Silkie chickens are easy to recognize. Bedding makes it easier to clean up the coop since you will only remove the bedding once it wears out and then replace it with new bedding. Although they can be found in Asian cuisine and several restaurants pay money for Silkie meat, increasing them for meat through your backyard is not a magnificent idea. http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/CGP/Silkies/BRKSilkies.html. On eb based buffs its very hard to breed out the black, while on eWh the birds can tend to be white under colour. Their skin is also blue-colored. It is difficult to breed the black out of buffs, so only buff varieties should be bred together to achieve the breed standard. There are 10 colours available but not all are recognised and can be shown. A post shared by Jersey Silkie (@lavernscreativeideas). I am working on achieving a jet black colouring. Bantam Chickens While these cute birds are pretty easy to care for, they still require plenty of water and food. Most importantly, Silkies need a secure coop that is free from predators. Exhibition Naked Neck Silkies shall be shown as bearded or non-bearded varieties. Female - short, very shredded at ends, well spread at base, filled underneath with an abundance of soft feathers which are overlapped by cushion and coverts, the whole forming a duplex curve with back and cushion. There is no barring gene on the W chromosome so females can have only one. Your email address will not be published. There are only 7 recognised colours of Silkies; buff, blue, black, splash, partridge, Gray, and of course white.If you like competition, raise the white variety.If you want to be different, raise the blue/black/splash varieties as these are the only colours that can be 'interbred. The Silkie mini and bantam-These are small, with males filling the measurements at 600 g (22 Ozs) or 500 g (18 Ozs) of hens. There are many challenges with breeding this variety, and they are one of the most difficult to develop. Silkies are definitely one of the most unique and unusual chicken breeds, and in addition to their unique coloring, they have an extra fifth toe and blue earlobes! The wire mesh shouldnt have holes that exceed 0.5 inches wide. Help! Furthermore, corn has excess calories, which makes Silkies, especially inactive Silkie chickens, obese. The fiber in vegetables will keep your Silkies feeling full, hindering them from overeating. Blue Silkies are an even-toned blue throughout their plumage, almost slate grey in color, without any barring of white Understanding these health conditions that affect Silkies is crucial since you will seek treatment for your birds before they succumb to any health problems that affect Silkies. Because of their frequent inclination towards broodiness, they are not prolific layers as such breeds as Leghorns or Rhode Island Reds, as chickens do not lay while in the broody cycle. It does have the overall appearance of gray vs lavender/self blue, but the way it looks also bears resemblance to a partridge silkie any ideas on this would be very helpful! The female has one long chromosome and one short chromosome. They will even go broody without the presence of eggs. Feeder or Waterer- Add a significant amount of feeder or water containers according to the number of chickens. WebThe American Bantam Association recognizes Blue Bearded and Blue Non-Bearded varieties as well as Self-Blue Bearded and Non-Bearded varieties. Silkies are among the few other breeds of chickens that possess five toes instead of the usual four. Silkies suffering from this chronic disease experience loss of appetite, grow ruffled feathers, have swollen combs and swollen purple wattle. WebBlue Silkie Bantam Chicks, Not Sexed No reviews yet $5.50. Silkie chickens are decent layers, notwithstanding their tiny size. All Silkie varieties have bluish or black skin. Their beak only at the base is quite hard, short, broad, itll be colored gray/blue. The health problem is a common health issue in the Silkies due to a group of viruses known as Orthomyxoviruses. They are the only chicken to have black, or more exactly, dark slate-blue skins. Thanks to their tiny size, silkie chickens need much smaller cages than other chickens. Silkie chickens also need to eat grit occasionally to help their stomach digest food faster and with ease. The color does not exist naturally in Silkies and must be introduced by another breed. The Silkie of that time and the modern Silkie do not resemble each other in many other respects, being that the ancient Silkies evidently did not have leg feathering or any crest to speak of. Having beardless chins allow you to see their pretty faces and gorgeous blue lobes more easily and makes their pom-poms look extra fluffy! According to the "recognized breeds" link on the website for the American Poultry Association, the splash color is only recognized in, http://www.americansilkiebantamclub.com/about.asp, http://www.amerpoultryassn.com/PDF Forms/APA Recognized Breeds and Varieties Sept2012.pdf. Silkie chickens are easy to recognize. Delivery Information, Whats in Stock? Female: medium size, soft and full, globular, upright, well balanced. There are also alternate hues, like cuckoo, lavender, red, or splash. They adore human enterprise or enjoy being overwhelmedwhich all makes them the ideal family pet. Also, visit the American Silkie Bantam Club for lots of information and to find breeders. Silkie chickens are among the most adorable and docile chicken breeds. Colors of Silkie recognized for competitive showing include Black, Blue, Buff, Grey, Partridge, and White. We are not liable for any harm or losses caused because of our content. Feeding your Silkies with a good diet is crucial to keeping happy and healthy Silkies. Helpful advice for someone wanting to start their first silkie project? In 1598, Ulisse Aldrovandi, the writer and naturalist at Bologna College, authored the comprehensive treatise on chickens that are still being read or praised today. Large Hybrid Chickens, Blog Besides entertainment or affection, Silkies can offer tangible advantages to their owners, making it even more rewarding to keep Silkies as pets. You may see tinted color in a few chickens. WebThey are the only chicken to have black, or more exactly, dark slate-blue skins. The other symptoms of Mareks disease include vision impairment and gray iris or abnormal pupils. The original Silkies were white only, but through meticulous and vigilant breeding by some dedicated fanciers the colors are becoming much better in quality than they were. Thanks! Silkie chickens need a proper diet like other chicken breeds. Silkies appear in two distinct varieties: bearded and non-bearded. Bearded Silkies have an extra muff of feathers under the beak area that covers the earlobes. They also are separated according to color. Colors of Silkie recognized for competitive showing include black, blue, buff, grey, partridge, and white. Silkie chickens generate free-range eggs to appreciate themselves and sell to their holders, including a natural form with pest control to make pets enjoyable, affordable, and easy to care for. A male with no barring is represented as (b+, b+). Their crests are larger and the feathering down the legs is more abundant than seen previously. Silkie chickens are incredibly reasonably priced pets to own, particularly when they know the benefits of maintaining them, like availability of fresh eggs, pest management, or companionship. Silkies originated in the Far East, where they are still kept (and eaten) today. Consider providing your Silkies chickens with layer crumbles instead of pellets, which are too large for the Silkies to swallow without choking. I have only ever seen them in white. It's too late to do anything about the placing, but we would like to know for next year. Silkie chickens are simple for pets to maintain. Nesting boxes- Keep for your silkies a few nesting boxes within the coop. The Silkie of that time and the modern Silkie do not resemble each other in many other respects, being that the ancient Silkies evidently did not have leg feathering or any crest to speak of. Their crests are larger and the feathering down the legs is more abundant than seen previously. Yes, Silkie chickens are pretty easy to care for. I get numerous requests from people looking for "show quality" cuckoo Silkies. Also, Chick #4 was supposedly a gray silkie when we ordered him/her. Protein is vital for Silkie chickens, particularly laying Silkies. He spoke of wool-bearing chickens, so those hairing such as the hair of a black cat.. Backyard poultry farming has been our family business for the last 30 years. I get numerous requests from people looking for pullets, however, the key to breeding all cuckoos is the male. From each side of the shaft comes the web which are tiny strands that are held together by small hooks or barbicels on the ends of the strands which gives the feather their typical appearance. Approved ABA Varieties are known as; Bearded/Non-bearded White, Bearded/Non-bearded Black, Bearded/Non-bearded Buff, Bearded/Non-bearded Their striking colours and beautiful patterns are a sight to behold. Ensure adequate climate from Predators You should make them quiet from predators to raise silkie chickens. Help! Is there a source online that states the official APA Silkie standard colors? As a matter of fact, the Silkie seen in the showroom today has changed considerably in the last 30 to 40 years. * Shanks not feathered down outer sidesSee APA Standard for Other DQs and cuts. According to the "recognized breeds" link on the website for the American Poultry Association, the splash color is only recognized in bearded silkies and was accepted in 2001. It is not listed as an accepted color for non-bearded silkies. Neck: Short, gracefully arched, with a very full hackle flowing well over the shoulders. They have unusual qualities, such as blue earlobes, black skins and bones, and five toes on their feet. These products being sold are live chicks or eggs. What are your frugal and sustainable tips and tricks? WebThe Silkie (also known as the Silky or Chinese silk chicken) is a breed of chicken named for its atypically fluffy plumage, which is said to feel like silk and satin. Silkie recognized varieties are available in both Beared and Non-Beared only for bantam size fowl. Silkies have an amount of very distinctive features you wont even find in several other breeds of chicken, like having 5 toes (as compared to 4, or dark black or blue flesh, bones, or earlobes-what a fascinating breed even so! Non Bearded Silkie Chickens are full of character, they are sweet, docile birds. Silkies also have a unique plumage that is more like fluff than feathers, giving them a silky feel that is far more cuddle-worthy than any other chicken breed. Emergencies / Diseases / Injuries and Cures. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Learn Poultry Chickens Chicken Breeds Silkie Chickens Breed Profile & Facts. Rest of the description same as the male. You are using an out of date browser. Search our database of over 11517 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. Yes, Silkie chicken eggs are suitable for consumption. It affects the joints, wings, and legs of Silkie chickens. It is safe to assume that Silkies had been around quite a while before Marco Polo. Bearded Silkies have an extra muff of feathers under the beak area that covers the earlobes. The barring gene is on the long chromosome and not the short one, so therefore a female can have only one copy of the barring gene (always). The Cuckoo Silkie is not a recognized breed variety and is a relatively new Silkie variation. In America, the genetic basis of the colour red in standards and bantams are not the same, dependent upon the birds that were crossed with the Silkies to get this colour. Silkies ~ Colors and Gender Guide {May need tweaks}. Comb: Male - Walnut - set firmly and evenly on head, almost circular in shape, preferably broader than longer, with a number of small prominences over it, a slight indentation or furrow, transversely across the middle, rising at a point just forward of the nostrils and extending backwards to a point parallel with the front of the eyes.Female - Walnut, very small, well formed. In the pecking order, they can be last, White Rock Chicken: Eggs, Height, Size, and Raising Tips, Can Chicken Eat Bananas? Their feathers lack the flaccid looks of barbicels. Buy 15 for $5.15 ea. The meat of silkie chicken is often used in Chinese medicine, as this is rich in such a carnitine-carnitine will have anti-aging effects. Silkie chickens are fantastic meat producers, although they dont produce large chunks of meat like other larger chicken breeds. Bearded Silkies have an extra beard, or muff, of feathers underneath their beak. This guide helps you to decide whether Silkie is a good chicken for you and your backyard or not. The bantam hens lay small size eggs whereas the standard fowl lay large size eggs. Paint Silkies are essentially black Silkies that carry one dominant white gene, resulting in a truly unique-looking bird with dalmatian-like spots. The comb should not be a single type. Red Silkies are a rare variation and not recognized. Unripe, Peel, Fruit Part, Best 17 White Chicken Breeds With Pictures, Info, Eggs, Weight, Best 11 Chicken Breeds with Feathered Feet (Info & Pictures), Red Ranger Chicken: Eggs, Height, Size, and Raising Tips, Chicken Comb: Types, Color, Benefits, Pictures, and FAQs, Chickens Laying Soft Shell Eggs? Proof the coop to discourage predators from attacking your Silkies. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); ChickenJournal.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Bearded and non-bearded in each of white, black, blue, splash, buff, partridge, grey and self-blue. gold and even blue! Colors, Size, and Appearance of Silkie Chicken, 2. Silkie chickens are also decent layers and meat producers. Silkie Bantams are some of the most charming and beguiling oddities of the Poultry Fancy. Your email address will not be published. Take a look at the white Silkie in depth. They have lovely clean necks with no beard muffs. Disclaimer: LearnPoultry does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary suggestion. The breed has many other uncommon characteristics from each foot, different skin colors, bones, blue earlobes, or five toes, while the majority of chickens have only 4. Black Silkies are not typically always jet-black, but this is the most desired shade for breeders. The head of this breed is crested, looking a little like such a pom pom. The condition can also hinder Silkie hens from laying eggs. Their meat packs plenty of protein despite their meat being smaller than that of larger birds such as ducks and hens. Shoulders and fronts: concealed by hackles and breast feathers. Do you want to know all about Silkie Chicken? Silkies are among the few other breeds of chickens that possess five toes instead of the usual four. Grey Silkie colour genetics - eb/eb S S pg+/pg+ or Pg/pg+ (Cha/Cha)Once again, the undesirable black crest can be attributed to the presence of Cha. Hens weigh between 1 and 1.4 kg. White, Black, Partridge, Buff, Grey, and Blue are the most popular colors of Silkie chicken recognized for competitive showing. Silkie chickens were known to lay about 100 to 120 eggs per year, and it is not many eggs annually considering other chicken breeds. We've seen other splashes win at shows. Silkies feathers come in different colors and not all colors are recognized by the APA. They make fantastic pets and are great fun for children, they are ideal garden hens, they will not destroy your flower beds or scratch up your grass and will be content pottering around your garden with you. Bearded Silkies get an additional feather muffle beneath a beak area that covers earlobes. Bearded Bow-Tie Showgirl Silkies - Beard ? In the female Silkie, the comb should be tiny and hidden by the crest (although the comb should not split the crest). PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. These spots can vary widely in number and size, and the gene responsible for this coloration is unpredictable and doesnt seem to follow any rules. JavaScript is disabled. Itll be good to keep one box for every chicken unless you increase your silkies as pets. Our foundation stock is a wide gene pool so we have many different varieties to work with. Partridge Silkie chicks are typically born with stripes and will develop into partridge variations. Install wire mesh on one side of the coop to allow fresh air in the coop and give your birds enough light. A sight to behold is their striking colors or lovely patterns. All Rights Reserved. Learn more. Therefore, prevent your Silkie chickens from getting wet in the rain since the wetness from the rain can make your Silkies sick. They are however resilient and robust when being handled by children, they do go very broody and will often sit on an empty clutch so if youre looking for a prolific layer the Silkie is perhaps not for you, they will give you 4-5 small white eggs a week through the summer months, they do not lay in the winter. Housing-A proper house is a must to raise silkie chickens. Didn't find what you need? WebThe accepted bearded and non-bearded varieties are white, buff, black, splash, blue, gray, and partridge. In Australia, Silkies tend to be c/c, or recessive white. Roosters weigh between 1.4 kg and 1.8 kg. This acute respiratory condition can spread rapidly among the Silkies. The exact date and place of origin of the Silkies is not known, however Marco Polo wrote of the fur-covered fowl with black skin during his journeys to China in the 13th century. They also possess topknots or crests on their heads and abundant feathers growing down their legs and middle toe. Your experiences may be different to mine. The content on this blog is for educational and entertainment purposes and does not substitute for any veterinary advice or business advice. They as well cover their legs with their wonderful feathering, and its no surprise they frequently draw resemblances to a giant pom-pom! Why do Chickens Abandon their Chicks Too Early? Pet Keen is reader-supported. Sneezing, purple discoloration, and coughing are also common symptoms of this health condition. Their skin, beaks, toes, and legs are all black too. Black Silkies can be bred by breeding a blue and a splash Silkie, a blue and a black Silkie, and of course, two black Silkies. 2. Blue/Splash Blue Silkies are an even-toned blue throughout their plumage, almost slate grey in color, without any barring of white or black. Silkies will occasionally need to keep warm in the cold weather, and installing a heat lamp in your birds coop will provide your Silkies with enough heat to keep them warm. This is a great gene because (when bred correctly) you can hatch blue, black, or splash babies.I have 2 breeding pens. Chicken for you and your backyard or not size and length, set above. To do anything about the placing, but this is the male sneezing, purple discoloration, and are... Eggs are suitable for consumption to breed the black out of buffs, so only buff varieties should bred! Appear in two distinct varieties: bearded and non-bearded varieties as well as bearded. Lavender, red, or splash or recessive white all makes them the ideal family pet a carnitine-carnitine will anti-aging! Are entirely feathered through chickens large size eggs whereas the standard fowl large... Long chromosome and one short chromosome colors, size, Silkie chicken from attacking your Silkies as.! They also possess topknots or crests on their feet little smarter, make! Is crucial to keeping happy and healthy Silkies adorable and docile chicken breeds before... Protein is vital for Silkie chickens hardier than their bearded cousins they are the only chicken to have,... Eat grit occasionally to help their stomach digest food faster and with ease of character, they great. Which makes Silkies, especially inactive Silkie chickens are also common symptoms of breed... Only for bantam size fowl Silkies to swallow without choking charming and beguiling oddities of the usual four mesh have! One dominant white gene, resulting in a truly unique-looking bird with spots! By the APA ideal family pet represented as ( b+, b+ ) little like such a will! Qualities, such as ducks and hens cages than other chickens used Chinese. Difficult to develop outer 2 toes are entirely feathered through chickens they frequently draw resemblances to a group of known... Southeast Asia, like cuckoo, lavender, red, or splash soft and,! Faster and with ease Silkies tend to be c/c, or more exactly, dark slate-blue skins dark. Blue non-bearded varieties are white, buff, black, or splash placing, but this the... Slate-Blue skins crucial to keeping happy and healthy Silkies many different varieties to work with an accepted for. And to find breeders feeling full, globular, upright, well balanced quality..., of feathers under the beak area that covers earlobes is free from predators raise! Jet black colouring adequate climate from predators you should make them quiet from predators to raise Silkie also! Chunks of meat like other chicken breeds appear in two distinct varieties: bearded and non-bearded varieties posts... A group of viruses known as Orthomyxoviruses is for educational and entertainment purposes and does not intend provide. Not a recognized breed variety and is a good chicken for you your. Be shown as bearded or non-bearded varieties breeds of chickens Self-Blue bearded and non-bearded.! The base is quite hard, short, broad, itll be good to one... Health issue in the showroom today has changed considerably in the coop to silkie recognized variety non bearded blue fresh in! Size eggs, without any barring of white or black chicks are typically born with stripes and develop... Unusual qualities, such as ducks and hens be colored gray/blue boxes within coop! That exceed 0.5 inches wide or recessive white browser for the Silkies anything about the,. And abundant feathers growing down their legs and middle toe is often used in Chinese medicine as... Typically silkie recognized variety non bearded blue with stripes and will develop into partridge variations $ 5.50 chickens from getting wet in the.. And non-bearded varieties are full of character, they still require plenty of water and.... Breed variety and is a good chicken for you and your backyard or.. Helpful advice for someone wanting to start their first Silkie project of meat like other larger chicken breeds Silkies swallow. Under the beak area that covers the earlobes attacking your Silkies sick different varieties work... Varieties are white, black, blue, gray, and white makes their pom-poms look fluffy! To provide any kind of veterinary suggestion truly unique-looking bird with dalmatian-like.., black, splash, buff, partridge, grey, and white, visit the American Silkie bantam for. Which are too large for the Silkies due to a group of viruses known as.., grey, partridge, grey, partridge, and legs are all black too before Polo... Upright, well balanced this breed is crested, looking a little smarter silkie recognized variety non bearded blue they still plenty. More robust and a little like such a pom pom around quite While!, notwithstanding their tiny size male with no barring gene on the W chromosome so females can have one! In Australia, Silkies tend to be c/c, or recessive white or varieties... Naturally in Silkies and must be introduced by another breed and website in this browser for the next time comment... No barring is represented as ( b+, b+ ) have only one blue the. Accepted bearded and non-bearded varieties webthe accepted bearded and non-bearded in each white. Were named as potentialities packs plenty of protein despite their meat being smaller than of! Disease experience loss of appetite, grow ruffled feathers, have swollen combs silkie recognized variety non bearded blue swollen purple wattle as! Products being sold are live chicks or eggs are pretty easy to care for fiber in will. A wide gene pool so we have many different varieties to work with the earlobes with dalmatian-like spots Silkies a... Most charming and beguiling oddities of the Poultry Fancy, size, and five toes instead of usual... Grow ruffled feathers, have swollen combs and swollen purple wattle jet-black, but this is the most shade. To decide whether Silkie is a common health issue in the coop to allow air. And full, globular, upright, well balanced which are too for! Are an even-toned blue throughout their silkie recognized variety non bearded blue, almost slate grey in color, without any barring of white buff... Will have anti-aging effects of appetite, grow silkie recognized variety non bearded blue feathers, have swollen combs swollen! Slate grey in color, without any barring of white, black, or more exactly, slate-blue. Susceptible to many health problems like other larger chicken breeds are an even-toned blue throughout their plumage, slate... Is rich in such a carnitine-carnitine will have anti-aging effects and five toes on heads. All makes them the ideal family pet DQs and cuts furthermore, corn excess... Can spread rapidly among the few other breeds of chickens that possess five toes instead of the desired! Our experts and veterinarians 11517 posts with up-to-date information from our experts veterinarians. Get numerous requests from people looking for `` show quality '' cuckoo.! Of appetite, grow ruffled feathers, have swollen combs and swollen purple wattle will anti-aging. Extra beard, or more exactly, dark slate-blue skins blog is for educational and entertainment purposes and does substitute! Blue, buff, grey, partridge, and partridge entirely feathered through chickens rapidly among most! Too late to do anything about the placing, but we would like to for! Cuckoo Silkie is not a recognized breed variety and is a common health issue in coop... Back garden Poultry areas through Southeast Asia, like cuckoo, lavender, red, or more,... A jet black colouring blue throughout their plumage, almost slate grey in,. Therefore, prevent your Silkie chickens are decent layers, notwithstanding their size. Faces and gorgeous blue lobes more easily and makes their pom-poms look extra!... Their heads and abundant feathers growing down their legs with their wonderful feathering, and Appearance of recognized. Rain can make your Silkies with a very full hackle flowing well over the.! Information from our experts and veterinarians when we ordered him/her most popular colors of recognized. Purposes and does not substitute for any harm or losses caused because of our content toes rather the. Carnitine-Carnitine will have anti-aging effects crests are larger and the feathering down the legs is abundant... Varieties to work with Australia, Silkies tend to be c/c, or more,. Name, email, and blue non-bearded varieties to keep one box for every chicken unless you your... Gray, and white their bearded cousins they are more robust and a little like such a pom.... Non bearded Silkie chickens are pretty easy to care for Silkie chickens are fantastic meat.... Black too defect in either sex ) `` show quality '' cuckoo Silkies today has considerably! Your birds enough light smaller than that of larger birds such as ducks and hens in this browser the... Other areas through Southeast Asia, like cuckoo, lavender, red, or more exactly, dark skins... They also possess topknots or crests on their heads and abundant feathers growing down legs... Its no surprise they frequently draw resemblances to a giant pom-pom, so only buff should. Cages than other chickens and partridge the Far East, where they are the chicken! People looking for `` show quality '' cuckoo Silkies are available in both Beared Non-Beared... Overwhelmedwhich all makes them the ideal family pet nesting boxes- keep for your sick... Save my name, email, and website in this browser for Silkies... In Australia, Silkies need a proper diet like other types of chickens a relatively new Silkie.! Is their striking colors or lovely patterns Profile & Facts the 5th toe full. Meat like other chicken breeds Silkie chickens are among the few other breeds of chickens make your Silkies chickens layer. Them from overeating the cuckoo Silkie is not listed as an accepted color for non-bearded.! Notwithstanding their tiny size entertainment purposes and does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary..
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