This characteristic leaves Silkies unable to fly.
Their feathers lack functioning barbicels, and are thus similar to down on other birds. The overall result is a soft, fluffy appearance. It has been compared to silk, and to fur. Silkie plumage was once unique among chicken breeds, however in recent years silkie feathering has been developed in several breeds, mostly notably the Chabo, where it is now standardised in Britain and the Netherlands. The American Standard of Perfection calls for males that are 1 kg (36 oz), and females that are 900 g (32 oz). However, even standard Silkies are relatively small chickens, with the males weighing only 1.8 kilograms (4 pounds), and females weighing 1.4 kg (3 lb). Almost all North American strains of the breed are bantam-sized, but in Europe the standard-sized is the original version. Silkies are considered a bantam breed in some countries, but this varies according to region and many breed standards class them officially as large fowl the bantam Silkie is actually a separate variety most of the time. They are often kept as ornamental fowl or pet chickens by backyard keepers, and are also commonly used to incubate and raise the offspring of other chickens and waterfowl like ducks, geese and game birds such as quail and pheasants. In the 21st century, Silkies are one of the most popular and ubiquitous ornamental breeds of chicken. Early Dutch breeders told buyers they were the offspring of chickens and rabbits, while sideshows promoted them as having actual mammalian fur. Once Silkies became more common in the West, many myths were perpetuated about them. The breed was recognized officially in North America with acceptance into the Standard of Perfection in 1874. Silkies most likely made their way to the West via the Silk Route and maritime trade. In it, he mentions "wool-bearing chickens" and ones "clothed with hair like that of a black cat". In 1598, Ulisse Aldrovandi, a writer and naturalist at the University of Bologna, Italy, published a comprehensive treatise on chickens which is still read and admired today. The earliest surviving Western written account of Silkies comes from Marco Polo, who wrote of a "furry" chicken in the 13th century during his travels in Asia. Other places in Southeast Asia have been named as possibilities, such as India and Java. It is unknown exactly where or when these fowl with their singular combination of attributes first appeared, but the most well documented point of origin is ancient China. Although they are fair layers themselves, laying only about three eggs a week, they are commonly used to hatch eggs from other breeds and bird species due to their broody nature. Hens are also exceptionally broody, and care for young well. In addition to their distinctive physical characteristics, Silkies are well known for their calm, friendly, temperament. They are often exhibited in poultry shows, and also appear in various colors.
SILKIE CHICKEN AS PET SKIN
The breed has several other unusual qualities, such as black skin and bones, blue earlobes, and five toes on each foot, whereas most chickens only have four. The Silkie (also known as the Silky or Chinese silk chicken) is a breed of chicken named for its atypically fluffy plumage, which is said to feel like silk and satin. The breed is renowned for its broodiness and mothering abilities. A black Silkie hen and a non-Silkie chick.
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