|
|
|
|
Silkie
|
| |
|
| |
The Silkie (sometimes spelled Silky) is a breed of chicken named for its unique plumage, which is said to feel like silk. The breed has several other unusual qualities, such as dark blue flesh and bones, blue earlobes, and five toes on each foot (most chickens only have four). They are often exhibited in poultry shows, and come in several colors.
In addition to their distinctive physical characteristics, Silkies are well known for their calm, friendly temperament.
Discussion
Ask a question about 'Silkie' Start a new discussion about 'Silkie' Answer questions from other users |
Encyclopedia
The Silkie (sometimes spelled Silky) is a breed of chicken named for its unique plumage, which is said to feel like silk. The breed has several other unusual qualities, such as dark blue flesh and bones, blue earlobes, and five toes on each foot (most chickens only have four). They are often exhibited in poultry shows, and come in several colors.
In addition to their distinctive physical characteristics, Silkies are well known for their calm, friendly temperament. Among the most docile of poultry, Silkies are considered an ideal pet. Hens are also exceptionally broody, and make good mothers. Though they are poor layers themselves, they are commonly used to hatch eggs from other breeds and bird species.
Silkies most likely originate in China, but other Southeast Asian countries are also sometimes proposed. The first written account of the breed comes from Marco Polo, who mentioned chickens with fur-like plumage in his Asian travelogues in the 13th century. The Renaissance author Ulisse Aldrovandi also spoke of chickens akin to Silkies. Today, the breed is recognized for exhibition, and is fairly common in the poultry world.
History
Silkies are one of the oldest breeds of chicken. It is unknown exactly where or when fowl with their singular combination of attributes first appeared, but the most well documented point of origin is China. Other places in Southeast Asia have been named as possibilities, such as India and Java. The earliest surviving written account of Silkies comes from Marco Polo, who wrote of a furry chicken in the 13th century, during his travels in Asia. In 1599, Ulisse Aldrovandi, a writer and naturalist at the university of Bologna, Italy published a comprehensive treatise on chickens which is still read and admired today. In it, he spoke on "wool-bearing chickens" and ones "clothed with hair like that of a black cat".
|
| |
|
|
