Silkie chickens are loving, chatty, charming, and fluffy, making them perfect pets for children. These birds are not only great companions but also a wonderful addition to any flock. It’s no surprise that they are listed among the Top 15 most beautiful chicken breeds of all time. Before joining the club of Silkie keepers, there are some essential things you should know about this breed. Read on to discover why so many people love sharing their homes with these charming birds.
Colors and Sizes
Silkie chickens are commonly found in white but come in a wide range of other beautiful colors as well. While Silkie hens and roosters typically weigh about 1.5 to 2 pounds, they can grow to be as large as 3 pounds. There are six color varieties: brown, buff, white, black, blue, and silver, each featuring bright turquoise earlobes. Black Silkies are rare due to a recessive gene. The spots on a Silkie’s face and skin can vary in size and color, and their unique colors are a result of their genetic makeup.
Distinctive Features
Silkies have distinctive features such as muffled feathers around the ears, beards under the chin, and fluffy crests. Not all Silkies are born with beards, so you might need to find a breeder who specializes in bearded varieties. Their crests can help determine their sex early on; a pullet’s crest looks like a cotton ball, while a male’s crest is swept back. Vaulted skulls give Silkies rounded, broader crests.
Turquoise Earlobes and Five Toes
One of the most distinctive features of Silkies is their turquoise earlobes, a trait not found in many other chicken breeds. They also have five toes, an important part of show standards. Their toes must be straight and the nails short. The extra toe, pointing outward or sometimes upward, adds to their unique beauty and genetic trait called polydactylism.
Egg Laying
Silkies typically lay between 100 and 150 eggs per year, compared to the 250-300 eggs of breeds like the Rhode Island Red. Their eggs are smaller but just as nutritious. Silkies lay consistently for about two years, with production decreasing gradually as they age.
Friendly Companions
Silkies are friendly, easy to handle, and great therapy birds. They are gentle, social, and love human interaction, often following their owners around the garden. They are good learners and can even be taught to jump into your lap, making them excellent pets for kids and adults alike. Silkies can help alleviate conditions like depression, anxiety, autism, hypertension, and dementia, thanks to their calming presence.
Compatibility with Other Animals
Silkies may have difficulty getting along with dogs and aggressive chickens. Dogs can be intimidating, and aggressive chickens can harm or kill a Silkie. However, with proper training and slow introductions, Silkies can coexist with other pets, including cats, who can learn to live peacefully with them.
Lifespan and Care
Silkies typically live between seven and nine years, and sometimes longer with proper care. Their delicate plumage makes them susceptible to lice, so occasional baths with diluted dog shampoo are recommended. Ensure they have clean, dry housing with adequate space and protection from predators. Automatic coop doors, like those from Run-Chicken, can help keep them safe.
Common Diseases
Silkies can suffer from various illnesses due to their unique feathers. Common issues include bumblefoot, foot deformity, and tangled toenails. Prompt detection and treatment are crucial. They can also be affected by vaulted skulls, crookneck, and Marek’s disease.
Feeding
Silkies require proper feeding to stay healthy. Provide them with a diet formulated specifically for their breed, starting with chick mash or crumble for hatchlings. As they grow, layer feeds with around 16 percent protein and additional vitamins and minerals are recommended.
Join the Community
If you are a proud owner of Silkies or considering becoming one, we’d love to hear from you. Share your photos, videos, and thoughts in our Facebook group, Chicken & Egg Lovers.