Silkie chickens are a unique and popular breed of bantam chicken that are known for their fluffy plumage, calm and friendly demeanor, and their ability to make great pets. If you are considering getting a Silkie chicken as a pet, here are some things you should know:
-
Silkie Temperament:
Silkie chickens are known for being calm, docile, and friendly birds. They are not aggressive and are often described as being “lap chickens” because of their affectionate nature. They are also very social and enjoy the company of their owners, as well as other chickens. The silkies I have are just happy to hangout and forage around the backyard.
-
Silkie Appearance:
One of the most striking features of Silkie chickens is their plumage. They have soft, fluffy feathers that feel like fur, and their feathers do not have the barbs that other chicken feathers have. This makes them appear more like furry creatures than birds. Silkie chickens also have blue skin, black bones, and dark-colored meat.
-
Are Silkies Good for Eggs?:
While Silkie chickens are not known for being prolific layers, they do lay eggs. However, they tend to lay fewer eggs than other breeds and their eggs are smaller in size. On average, a Silkie hen will lay around 100-120 eggs per year. Since silkies are not great egg-layers and do not have much meat on them, they are usually a pet or show bird.
-
Silkie Hen Broodiness:
Silkie chickens are known for being good brooders, meaning that they enjoy sitting on and hatching eggs. This can make them good candidates for hatching and raising chicks, but it can also make them more prone to becoming broody and less interested in laying eggs.
-
Are Silkies Easy to Care For?:
Like all chickens, Silkie chickens require proper care to thrive. This includes providing them with a clean and safe living environment, fresh water and food, and regular veterinary check-ups. They also require regular grooming to maintain their unique plumage and prevent matting. I would say that Silkies are more high maintenance than your average breed just because they are easily picked on in the flock and they need more grooming.
-
Silkie Health issues:
While Silkies are generally healthy birds, they are more prone to certain health issues than other breeds. For example, their fluffy feathers can make them more susceptible to mites and lice. They are also more prone to respiratory issues and may require special care during cold or damp weather. Because they are a bantam breed, Silkies can easily get injured picking fights with larger chickens (and my silkie roos love picking fights with bigger birds).
In conclusion, Silkie chickens can make excellent pets for those who are interested in raising chickens. They are known for their calm and friendly temperament, unique appearance, and ability to make great lap chickens. While they require proper care and attention, they can be a great addition to a backyard flock and a wonderful source of entertainment and companionship. If you are interested in getting started with your own backyard egg-layers, please check out my Top 5 Breeds for Beginners.
