Silkie Chickens.
This breed was developed in the Orient, probably in Japan. The feathers don't have barbs or quills, and the birds look and
feel like Persian cats! Interesting characteristics of the breed are its 5 toes and black skin.. Silkie hens are among the
best to use as broodies if you want to hatch your eggs out under hens. They make wonderful mothers and I've known a silkie
rooster to steal a brood of very young chicks and raise them himself -- this is a very nurturing breed!
Most known for the white variety Silkies also come in Black, Blue, Splash, Partridge, Grey and Buff. Other colours are also
being developed including Cuckoo and Lavender.
A young Splash Pullet
Look at the headpeace!
I was really pleased with the chicks from my "Andalusian Blues" This gene is really neat if
you breed the right birds together the results are predictable and you can get 3 colours from one pen! Black, Blue and Splash,
my favourite!
Check out this link for more on the Andalusian Gene!
In 2006 I hatched over 80 Silkies and I have managed, with the help of James Carson
and others, to cull them down to the best 5 or 6 of each colour. With the addition of some new blood (late 2006-2007)
from some top USA breeders I am now seeing a renewed interest in the breed, in Canada.
