Silkie Bantam

The Silkie Bantam is defined by its unusual feather structure, which lacks the microscopic hooks (barbicels) that hold traditional feathers together, resulting in a coat that feels like soft fur or silk. They possess several rare physical traits: dark blue or black skin and bones, deep blue/turquoise earlobes, and five toes instead of the usual four. Their heads are adorned with a kogel-round crest (puffy cap) and, in many varieties, a full beard that hides their small, round kinlellen (wattles).

• Weight: Roosters weigh approximately 21-25 oz (600-700g), hens weigh 18-21 oz (500-600g).
• Comb: They feature a 'walnut' or 'mulberry' comb (moerbijvormig) that is dark red to purple.
• Legs: Short and sturdy with krap bevedering (tight feathering) that extends down to the outer toes.

Silkies are not known for high egg production, typically laying around 100 cream-colored eggs per year. The eggs are relatively small, weighing about 1.2 oz (35g). However, what they lack in quantity, they make up for in maternal instinct. Silkie hens are arguably the best mothers in the poultry world. They go broody frequently and are famous for their willingness to hatch and raise chicks of any species, including ducks, geese, or even pheasants.

Distinguishing between the sexes can be difficult in young Silkies. Roosters typically have a larger, more prominent walnut comb that may show 'streamer' feathers—longer, wispy feathers extending back from the crest. The Hen usually has a tighter, more perfectly globular crest and a more horizontal, compact body shape (often described as a 'kubus' or cube). Roosters also exhibit a more upright, alert stance and will begin to crow at a young age, though Silkie crows are often softer than those of other breeds.

Silkies are surprisingly hardy against cold temperatures, but their unique plumage presents a significant challenge: it is not waterproof. Because their feathers do not zip together, they offer no protection against rain or snow. If a Silkie gets wet, it will soak through to the skin, which can lead to hypothermia. Owners must provide a dry, draft-free coop. In extremely cold climates, they are quite resilient, but in wet/muddy environments, their foot feathers require extra maintenance to prevent matting.

Standardized Silkies come in a wide array of colors. The most iconic is the White Silkie, but other recognized varieties include Black, Blue, Buff, Gray, and Partridge. Modern enthusiasts have also developed popular non-standard colors such as Paint (white with black spots), Splash, and Cuckoo. In all color varieties, the dark skin and blue earlobes remain a requirement for the breed standard.

The Silkie is believed to have originated in China or Japan. The explorer Marco Polo wrote of 'furry chickens' during his travels in 1292. In the 16th century, naturalist Conrad Gessner described them as 'wool-bearing chickens.' For centuries, they were sold to unsuspecting Westerners as a hybrid between a chicken and a rabbit. The breed was officially admitted to the American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection in 1874. Today, they remain a top choice for exhibition and backyard pets due to their inability to fly and docile nature.