![]() ![]() ![]() Not only do they possess the fluffy feather covering all the way to their feet, they also sport black combs, have fluffy crests (like pom-poms), and, amazingly, have black skin (and it’s said, black bones), as well as striking blue ear lobes. Their physical makeup is an incredible mix of odd. There is documentation of mention concerning “furry chickens” as early as the 14 the century. It’s uncommon for farmers to raise these creatures, although a role is often employed as a main focus for their being in a farmyard. This bird is labeled by professional designation as ornamental. Little is known about the origin of the Silkie chicken, but they are thought to have originated in China many centuries ago. The Silkie chicken has a plumage that is characterized as silky soft and furry to the touch with an extreme amount of feathers that might throw you off if you were to see one. There is a chicken that shares that overabundant trait as well - the Silkie. Overgrowth of feathers and plumage is not unique to the parakeet, however. They are called Feather Dusters. The overgrowth of feathers is caused by a mutation that is rare but it does occur frequently enough to be notable. Urban Uses: Silkie chickens are friendly and make good pets.Not too long ago, we found an unusual parakeet with a fluffy plumage. The breed’s name in Chinese, wu gu jis means “dark-boned chicken.” The chicken occasionally appears in French cuisine, as well. Gray-black Silkie chicken meat is in an element in Asian haute cuisine. Given the chance, Silkie hens cheerfully brood and raise their unorthodox offspring, too. Some poultry fanciers consider them the ideal organic incubator and set them on eggs as diverse as quail and duck. ![]() They are broody hens and are supremely happy to hatch the eggs of other birds. Special Considerations and Notes: Silkies are sweet, ultra-docile chickens. It was recognized in the American Poultry Association’s first Standard of Perfection, published in 1874. Use: The Silkie is a bantam chicken breed used mainly as exhibition and pet chickens however, due to Silkie hens’ extreme broodiness, they make wonderful surrogate hatchers, as well.Īdditional History: In 1599, Italian naturalist and author Ulisse Aldrovandi wrote about “wool-bearing chickens ” however, today’s Silkie chicken breed, is considerably different than those of the past. The American Poultry Association recognizes Black, Buff, Gray, Partridge and White, and (bearded only) Splash, Blue and Self Blue varieties. ![]() The Silkie has five toes most chickens have only four.Īna HotalingThis breed comes in an assortment of colors, and some varieties are bearded with an extra muff of feathers covering their earlobes. In addition to luxurious, fluffy plumage, the breed has dark-blue legs with abundant feathering, turquoise-blue earlobes, black skin and bones, and grayish-black flesh. This is because Silkie plumage lacks barbicels, the hooked projections normally extending from and interlocking the secondary branches of chickens’ feathers. Silkie plumage looks like fur or down instead of feathers. Their small walnut combs and small to medium-size wattles appear deep mulberry to black. Silkies are named for the long, silk-like feathers that cover their bodies. While the exact origin of the Silkie’s development remains unknown, China and Japan both lay claim to this extraordinary fowl. Venetian explorer Marco Polo (circa 1254-1324) returned from his travels throughout Asia with stories of a “furry” chicken. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |