The
Silkie (sometimes alternatively spelled
Silky) is a
breed of
chicken named for its atypically fluffy
plumage, which is said to feel like
silk.
The breed has several other unusual qualities, such as dark blue flesh
and bones, blue earlobes, and five toes on each foot, whereas most
chickens only have four. They are often exhibited in
poultry shows, and exist in several colors including red, buff, blue, grey, black, white, and many mottled variations.
In addition to their distinctive physical characteristics, Silkies
are well known for their calm, friendly temperament. Among the most
docile of poultry, Silkies are considered an ideal pet. Hens are also
exceptionally
broody,
and make good mothers. Though they are fair layers themselves, laying
about three eggs a week, they are commonly used to hatch eggs from other
breeds and bird species. Silkies come in both a full-sized and
diminutive forms, the latter being typically known as
Silkie Bantams.
Zorro Rooster on left, Fluffy Partridge
(born to Patty March 19,2012) Post about birth
HERE middle and on right Suki White Silkie Rooster
(born 2010) & king of this pen.
With the exception of Suki I hatched him from another source
Patty, Zorro and Precious were bought from
She also ships hatching eggs so keep her in mind for your poultry needs.
I love the fact that Silkies are very broody and loving mothers. That works pretty well when you want to hatch some of your own fertilized eggs from other breeds you may have or want.
For awhile now I have wanted another breed of chicken an Araucana.
I found some eggs from a breeder for a
Lavender Araucana
photo credit
Hinkjc Mountain Poultry Facebook Page
I have the two Silkies that are broody at the moment and Hinkjc Poultry were kind enough to sell me only a few eggs.
Patty Partridge
(born March 19, 2011)
She is a very broody hen and I am thankful because I have her now sitting on the 4 eggs below
well with the exception of that small silkie white egg, I did remove that one....my luck I would hatch another rooster....
Elvira Precious's child is broody too so I put her on 3 eggs
She is a very young hen
I don't know what she is doing to those eggs they are getting very dirty...
I can't wait to see what hatches with luck that is...
Both of the hens have at one point or another decided to push the eggs out then proceeded to go back and set on them so who knows what the hatch rate will be....I figured it was worth a try since I am not at home now enough to incubate and watch myself.
I'll keep you posted as to what if any hatch....
The Silkie Breed is so delightful. If you are someone who might think the idea of raising chickens is not your cup of tea, you might consider having some of this breed. They are tiny, adorable and fairly clean as far a chickens go. Their eggs equal in size to about half a regular egg so you would use two to one ratio but even they are adorable. This breed is more like a pet and you can build a very cute home for them....a very fun pet with the added bonus of eggs....
I apologize for the poor quality of these two pictures but just wanted to share how they gather and how cute they are.
A gathering of minds, male minds. Just like men at a country store in front of a pot bellied stove...or standing in front of the water fountain...
Suki, Guinea Guinea, Spot the Barred Rock and JR the Americana ~ I wonder just what they are thinking...and talking about....
Suki is always getting into whatever is going on. He has to be on top of things, that is for sure. Look at those funny top feathers...
Thank you God for this and everyday!
Happy Chicken Day to you all!