Silkies
Characteristics
The Silkie chicken stands out from other breeds with its unique fur-like feathers and black skin, which are due to genetic traits. The black skin comes from a melanotic gene (Fibromelanosis), an autosomal dominant gene, while the soft feathering results from an autosomal recessive gene. This gene causes a lack of hooklets in the pennaceous feathers, which can form some hooklets in the wings and shanks, though they appear in very small amounts. This lack of hooklets gives the Silkie its signature "fur-like" feathers, also known as "Hookless" feathers, which contribute to its inability to fly. Silkies are also characterized by their soft, downy plumage, which covers most of the body except for the beak. Some may have a crested head and bearded, muffed faces. They have a blue-black beak, black eyes, ashen-blue legs, small wattles, and tiny walnut or cushion-shaped combs. Another distinct feature is their fifth toe.
In terms of color, modern Silkies come in various shades, with the APA officially recognizing black, white, blue, and buff varieties. Despite these color variations, all Silkies share the same black skin, fifth toe, and signature soft feathers. In the U.S., bantam Silkies are more common, with roosters typically weighing around 2.25 pounds and hens about 2 pounds. In Europe, standard-sized Silkies are the preferred type, with roosters reaching 4 pounds and hens weighing around 3 pounds. While Silkies are generally fair to good egg layers, producing a few eggs, they are best known for their extremely docile temperament. Their ornamental appearance makes them a standout in any flock.
However, due to their delicate feathers, Silkies are not well-suited for colder climates. Their plumage does not offer much insulation, so special care must be taken to keep them warm and dry in winter months, especially in areas with harsh temperatures.
History
The Silkie chicken is believed to have originated in Asia, with most pointing to China or Japan as its birthplace, while some also suggest India. The exact origin remains unclear, but one of the earliest mentions of this unique breed comes from Marco Polo, who wrote in his journal about a "furry" chicken during his travels through China in the 13th century.
Regarded as one of the oldest purebred chickens in the world, the Silkie is thought to have been first described by the Chinese poet Du Fu, who lived between 712-770 AD. Western documentation of the breed appeared in 1300 in the "Travels of Marco Polo." In his account of the city of Kenjanfu in China, Polo describes an unusual chicken with fur-like feathers: “The people [of Kenjanfu] live by trade and manufactures and have great store of silk, ginger and galingale…. Their women are particularly beautiful. And there is a strange thing there which I need to tell you. You must know they have a kind of fowls which have no feathers, but hair only, like a cat’s fur. They are black all over; they lay eggs just like other fowls, and are very good to eat."
The Silkie likely made its way to Europe via the Silk Road, the key trade route for spices and goods from the East. By 1598, the breed was almost certainly in Europe, as naturalist Ulisse Aldrovandi from the University of Bologna, Italy, described the Silkie in a book about chicken keeping, noting it was "clothed with hair like that of a black cat."
Egg Production
Silkie chickens are known for their unique appearance and friendly temperament, but when it comes to egg production, they are not the most prolific layers. On average, a Silkie hen lays between 100 and 120 small eggs per year, which translates to about 2 to 3 eggs per week. These eggs are typically cream-colored and smaller than those of many other breeds.
One of the reasons for their lower egg production is their strong tendency to go broody. Silkies are among the broodiest chicken breeds, often sitting on eggs and neglecting to lay new ones during this period. This broodiness can significantly interrupt their laying cycle, leading to fewer eggs over time.
Additionally, Silkies tend to start laying later than other breeds, often beginning at 7 to 9 months of age. Their egg production may also decline gradually after two to three years of consistent laying. By the time they reach five years old, their egg production can be about half of what it was in their prime, continuing to decrease as they age.