Introduction
The Silk Hens! Their name alone makes these little birds fun to add to your barnyard. Currently, I have three little Silkie Bantam Chickens in our chicken coop, and they bring a lot of liveliness to our garden. In this article, I will highlight some unique characteristics of this breed and share my experiences with these adorable little chickens.
History
These wonderful poultry are from China, well before the 1200s, and were named for their unique plumage which feels like silk to the touch. Silk Hens gained notoriety when they were mentioned by Marco Polo in the 13th century, who wrote of “hens with fur-like feathers” in his travel journals in Asia. Silkie Hens then traveled west and were accepted into the North American Standard of Perfection in 1874. Today, we are fortunate to find Silkie Hens all over the world, and in many backyards. !
My First Experiences with Silkie Hens
Egg Incubation
My very first chicks that I hatched myself with a incubator were Silk Hens. When they arrived, it was like Christmas! It was an exciting time, and we learned a lot.
Chick Care
Silk Hen chicks are tiny and get cuter and cuter as they grow. They require the same care in the brooder as standard-sized chickens, but they seem a little more fragile during the first days. Silkie Chickens have 5 toes unlike standard breeds which only have 4. They are super gentle and make excellent pets.
Unique Characteristics of Silkie Hens
Appearance and characteristics
Silkie Hens have bright turquoise ears. Generally, if chickens have red ears, they lay brown eggs. If they have white ears, they lay white or cream eggs. Silk Hens, with their blue ears, lay white, cream or even pink eggs. Their crest has a “pompom” shape and is dark or blackberry in color. They have black eyes and a blue-tinged beak.
Feathers
Let’s talk about their feathers for a moment. Silkie Hens do not have a typical feather. Their feathers lack barbicels, the hooks that hold the feathers together. This gives them a fluffy appearance. Because they don’t have the standard feathers, they don’t fly. However, some young Silkie Hens have no problem reaching higher perches. Their feathers make them vulnerable to cold if wet, so it may be necessary to dry them with a towel or hairdryer.
Skin and Bones
Silk Hens have skin and bones completely black, making it a delicacy in some parts of the world. There are other breeds with black skin and bones, such as the Mystic Onyx and the Ayam Cemani.
Egg Production
Silkie Hens are not known for their laying abilities, as They only lay on average 120 small eggs per year. Although their eggs are just as good as those of standard-sized hens, they are smaller. Most people keep Silkie Hens as pets, for showing, or for brooding and hatching eggs.
Personality and Character
Silkie Chickens are one of the most charming and gentle breeds you will meet. We have never met a Silkie Hen that we didn’t completely fall in love with! They are extremely friendly, docile and calm, making them perfect pets, especially for children. They happily sit on younger children’s laps without hesitation, snuggling and soaking up all the love and attention. Unlike some chickens that become nervous around humans, Silkie Hens have poor flight skills and love human interaction, which makes handling them (and cuddling) very easy.
If you have neighbors nearby, Silkie Hens are a very quiet breed, only speaking out when they have proudly laid an egg or there is imminent danger. They are known to be excellent mothers and often adopt other chicks as their own, which contributes to their beautiful personalities. There really is no bad behavior with Silkie Hens!
Integration with Other Hens
With Other Breeds
Many wonder if it is possible to keep Silkie Chickens with other standard chicken breeds. I approached this issue very carefully when introducing my Silkie Hens to the rest of my chickens. They are smaller, cannot fly, and unless you give them a haircut, they cannot see well, which can make defending them difficult. I took a lot of time to make sure the other hens accepted them before fully integrating them.
Integration Method
After our Silkie Chickens hatched, I purchased Easter Egger chicks. When the Silkie Hens were eating and drinking well, I combined the Silkie Hens and Easter Eggers together. So, they grew up together and integrated into the large group of chickens together. It worked very well!
The Price of Silk Hens
The price of silk hen depends on the place of purchase and the variety, but you should plan on average between 25 and 35 euros. You can find them in a garden center, from a breeder, or at exhibitions.
Conclusion
Silkie chickens have a docile, kind and tolerant character., making them wonderful family pets. Even the roosters are calmer. My silkie chickens provide hours of entertainment, with their huge personalities for such small chickens. If you are considering adding this fun breed to your barnyard, I highly recommend them! They aren’t very good layers, but their gentleness and personalities more than make up for any drawbacks. They fit in well with other chickens and do not require additional care for the most part. I love having them as family!
