Variations in Silkie Chickens

Silkie chickens are often called the "Poodle Chickens" of the chicken world. Unlike other chickens, Silkie feathers are more like fur or hair than feathers, giving them a soft texture and appearance. Originally from the Orient, Marco Polo actually wrote about Silkies in the 13th Century, making them an ancient breed that most likely had been around centuries before in China.

Large Fowl

In Europe and Australia, Silkies come in two sizes, one being "large fowl." These Silkies weigh 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 lbs for roosters and 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 lbs for hens. Depending on the club's standard, Silkies may have a variety of colors. In Australia, colors include black, blue, blue-red, gold, grey, partridge and white.

European Bantam

The second size allowed in Europe and Australia is the bantam size, which places the birds at 20 to 24 oz for roosters and 16 to 20 oz for hens.

American Bantams

American Bantams are smaller than the European large fowl and larger than the European bantam varieties. Their size, set by the American Poultry Association's standard of perfection is 36 ounces for a rooster and 32 ounces for a hen.

Colors

Depending on the club's standard, Silkies may carry a variety of colors. In Australia, colors include black, blue, blue-red, gold, grey, partridge and white. The American Bantam Association and the American Poultry Association recognizes blue, white, black, gray, buff, splash and partridge.

Beards

Silkie chickens may also have beards, that is, feathers below their beaks, or they may be beardless.

Reference

The Silkie Club of Great Britain [http://www.poultryclub.org/silkieclub/]

The Feather Site: Silkies [http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/CGP/Silkies/BRKSilkies.html]

American Silkie Bantam Club: About Silkies [http://www.americansilkiebantamclub.com/about.asp]

Silkie Bantams

Sundown Waterfowl and Poultry

Muddyhorse Farms