Silkie chickens are a breed known for their uniqueness and charm. With their gentle and docile nature, they make wonderful pets and quickly adapt to human attention and handling. These bantam chickens have 5 toes, adding to their distinct appearance and character. If you’re looking for a chicken that will bring joy to your family and cuddles to your life, the Silkie might just be the perfect fit for you.
Incredible Maternal Instincts
One of the most fascinating things about Silkies is their incredible broodiness. These hens have a remarkable tendency to set on eggs and raise various types of poultry or fowl. Once a Silkie hen decides to set her eggs, very little will distract her from the nest until those eggs have hatched. It’s not uncommon for the males of this breed to possess some maternal instincts as well. They can be very gentle towards the chicks, calling them over when they find a tasty treat. As soon as the chicks are old enough to venture away from their mother, they can be seen exploring the world with their doting dad.
Not Just Fluff: Dependable Layers and Mothers
While Silkies may not be as prolific in laying eggs as commercial breeds, they are quite dependable when they are in their lay cycle. Each hen has her unique schedule, but when they’re not broody, you can expect them to lay around 4 small to medium-sized, white to cream-colored eggs. These fluffy chickens are adorable from the day they hatch, all the way into their old age. Don’t worry about them getting wet in the rain or snow. Silkies actually enjoy running around in the rain, and their downy feathers keep them warm and cozy. They tolerate chilly climates well but aren’t particularly fond of snow. Nevertheless, they still appreciate the option to go outside if they wish. Silkies are spoiled pets and are given plenty of space and opportunities for outdoor adventures. They can also handle heat but require ample water for hydration. As for their legs, the feathering requires a little extra care, and regular parasite checks are necessary.
Aesthetic Appeal: Crested, Feathered, and Multi-Colored
Silkies are beautifully unique. They have crests and walnut combs, and their skin, legs, and toes are generally black to mulberry in color. Unlike other chicken breeds, Silkies have five toes instead of four, and their legs are covered in ample feathers. Additionally, these charming birds come in various color patterns. At Sugar Feather Farm, we focus on breeding super fluffy and multi-colored Silkies. When you order from us, you’ll receive one of four feather patterns: Silkie, Frizzled Silkies, Satins, or Frizzled Satins. We offer a range of colors, including white, gray, black, splash, blue, partridge, lavender, creole, cuckoo, paint, chocolate, mauve, cukoo-mauve, black and white laced, and many more.
The Mysterious Silkie: Hard to Determine Male or Female
Determining the sex of Silkies is a challenge. They often act and behave similarly, making it difficult to differentiate between males and females. Many people say that it’s nearly impossible to determine the sex of a Silkie until they crow or lay an egg. At Sugar Feather Farm, we don’t offer sexing services for Silkies to avoid disappointing anyone. However, if you end up with a male Silkie, there are many chicken enthusiasts who would be happy to welcome him into their flock.
Proper Nutrition for Silkies
To ensure the best health and growth for your Silkies, we recommend starting them on Sugar Feather Farm chick starter for the first 6 to 8 weeks. As Silkies tend to require more nutrition for a longer period of time, using chick starter for 8 weeks is beneficial. Once they reach maturation (when they start laying eggs), switch to Sugar Feather Farm Adult Feed. For added digestive health and overall well-being, consider adding Oil of Oregano to their water daily.
A Rich History
The origin of Silkies remains mysterious, but they have a long and intriguing history. During his 13th-century journeys to China, Marco Polo wrote about a fur-covered fowl with black skin that closely resembles what we now know as Silkies. However, Silkies have evolved over time. The modern Silkie differs significantly from its ancestors, featuring larger crests and more abundant leg feathering. Additionally, the breed now encompasses a wide array of colors and both bearded and non-bearded varieties.
Silkie chickens are more than just ornamental pets. They are loving companions and dedicated caretakers of their broods. With their striking appearance and gentle demeanor, they bring joy and warmth to any family. Whether you’re a newbie chicken owner or an experienced enthusiast, Silkies are sure to steal your heart. Experience the magic of these fluffy and charismatic chickens.