WHAT IS A SILKIE CHICKEN?
The Silkie chicken is a chicken breed. It is named silkie because of its fluffy plumage that feels like silk. This breed has many unusual characteristics such as black skin, bones, and organs, and five toes on each foot, where most chickens have only four. It is considered one of the most beautiful breeds of bantam chickens. They come in many colors, such as white (most common), Black, Grey, Blue, Buff, Red, Partridge, and Splash.
The history of Silkie Chicken is back to the 13th century when Marco Polo wrote about it "I saw chickens with hair like cats that lay the best of eggs".
Silkie History
There is a great belief that says that the origins of black chickens go back to Asia, especially ancient China, and there are those who say that they are from India or Java.
They have shown in the west in the mid-1800s, and by 1872 shown in America and they gain much popularity ever since.
Silkie is generally sweet, even the roosters are usually and non-aggressive towards humans, so many people raise it as a pet especially for kids.
Silkie Characteristics
Uses: eggs and pets
Colors: come in many colors, such as white (most common), Black, Grey, Blue, Buff, Red, Partridge, and Splash.
Eggs Production By Year: 100 to 160 eggs.
1- All silkies have five toes. This is known as POLYDACTYLY and is inherited through genes.
2- Silkies have black feathers, skin, meat, bones, and organs.
3- All Silkie chickens have legs and feet covered with feathers.
4- Silkie should have blue earlobes and a mulberry red comb.
5- Silkie is a wonderful breed, They are sweet and non-aggressive toward humans, so they can be the perfect choice as a pet.
6- The feather is one of its popular characteristics. it is very soft and fluffy. They lack the barbs necessary to make normal feathers, so silkie can't fly at all. That soft feather helps give these delightful little birds their unique appearance.
7- They are lacking in the egg production department, only producing around 120 quite small eggs in their first year. Silkies are not big layers although they do make up for it with quality eggs and solid shells.
8- They are long-lived chickens compared to other chicken breeds. they are concerned with an average life of around 8 or 9 years and remain productive long after other breeds have stopped laying eggs. This is most likely due to their laid back happy nature and low productivity rates.
Silkie Price
There are many different opinions of what age is best to buy silkie chickens at and what is the best way to acquire Silkies. As a general rule silkie's price can vary greatly in price depending on the quality and condition of the bird. There is no standard price for a Silkie. Prices vary depending on the age of the chicken, the seller's location, and the quality of fowl that they are offering. The cheapest way to get into silkies is to buy fertile eggs and incubate them yourself.
In general Silkie's cost can vary from around $20 (£16) to $120 (£80) per bird and it's best to buy them from a breeder so you can see the stock you are getting.
The top of the quality range is $10-15 per chick and $25-50 for a hen or stock breeding cockerel.
Where can you buy silkie from?
1. Gumtree
2. Buying direct from breeders.
3. Craigslist.
4. eBay. In some countries, you can sell hatching eggs on eBay.
5. Facebook. Seek out, chicken groups and breeders.
6. Auctions. Poultry or livestock auctions have a selection of chickens for sale.
7. Become a member of the poultry club and find a list of registered breeders.
8. Find breeders online or look in forums.
Silkie Chicken Meat
The black color of the silkie chicken meat makes it scary or disgusting for some people, but in fact, the meat of this chicken is very delicious, and the meat tastes a little stronger than normal chicken. Silkies are a delicacy in the Asian community, especially with the Chinese. Silkies are more for medicinal purposes much like normal chicken soup with more health benefits. Silkie meat tastes just like chicken but with a stronger and leaner taste but still very delicious.
How To Cook Silkie Chicken Meat?
It is often boiled whole but can be cut into pieces with bones if you are using the larger bird.
Use lots of herbs stuff in the cavity or just in the broth and cook for a good 30 -45 minutes or longer till fully cooked, But it is not only made into soup but can be made in many other various ways including curry.
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