Silkie

The Silkie has been kept in Asia for many centuries and reached Europe by way of trade routes, where its unusual appearance made it a curiosity and then a popular ornamental breed. It is recognised by poultry standards internationally, with both bearded and non-bearded forms and, in some countries, distinct bantam and larger standard sizes.

• Soft, fluffy plumage lacking functional barbicels, so the birds cannot fly and appear fur-like.
• Fibromelanosis: dark blue to black skin, meat, and bones, a genetically distinctive trait.
• Five toes on each foot (rather than four), with feathering on the legs.
• A small, dark walnut comb, dark wattles, and turquoise-blue earlobes; a gentle, tame disposition.

Silkies are kept chiefly as ornamental and companion birds and for exhibition, and their reliable broodiness makes them prized as natural incubators for the eggs of other poultry. They lay a modest number of small, cream to tinted eggs. Because the open plumage is not waterproof and offers limited insulation, Silkies need dry, draught-free housing and protection from wet and cold; their inability to fly also makes them vulnerable to predators.