The Black Silkie chicken is a unique and fascinating breed of chicken that has been around for centuries.
They are known for their striking appearance, with black feathers that feel like silk to the touch.
These birds have become increasingly popular in recent years, both for their ornamental value and for their meat and eggs.
Despite their unusual appearance, Black Silkies are also a hardy and adaptable breed.
They are known for their calm and friendly personalities, which makes them a popular choice for backyard chicken keepers.
In addition, they produce small to medium-sized eggs that are tinted cream or light brown.
Black Silkie chickens are also valued for their meat, which is considered a delicacy in some parts of the world.
In this article, we will discuss:
- Black Silkie chicken overview and history
- Their physical appearance
- The behavior and temperament of Black Silkie chickens
- How to care for them with proper nutrition and housing
- And some frequently asked questions
Black Silkie Chicken Overview
| Lifespan | 5-7 years |
| Weight | Hen: about 1.5 lbs, Rooster: about 2.5 lbs |
| Appearance | Fluffy black feathers that cover their entire bodies |
| Egg Color | Cream |
| Egg Size | Small |
| Egg Production | 100-120 eggs per year (2-3 eggs per week) |
| Broodiness Level | Medium-High |
| Beginner Friendly | Yes |
| Space Needed | 4 square feet of space inside their coop, 8-10 square feet of space outdoors |
| Price | $5-$20 per chick |
Origins and History
The Black Silkie chicken is a unique breed with a rich history.
The breed’s exact origins are still unknown, however, rumor has it that they originated in China during the Han dynasty and were later introduced to the West in the early 19th century.
Asian Roots
The Black Silkie chicken, also known as the Silkie chicken or the Chinese Silkie, is a breed of chicken that originated in China.
The breed is believed to have been developed in the Guangdong province of China during the Han dynasty, which lasted from 206 BC to 220 AD.
The Black Silkie chicken was originally bred for its meat and for its medicinal properties.
The chicken is still used today in traditional Chinese medicine for its supposed healing properties.
The Black Silkie chicken is characterized by its black feathers, black skin, and blue earlobes.
The chicken is also known for its unique appearance, with its feathers resembling fur rather than feathers. The breed is often kept as a pet due to its friendly and docile nature.
Introduction to the West
Black Silkie chickens were first introduced to the West in the early 19th century.
The chicken was brought to Europe by traders and was later introduced to North America.
This breed quickly gained popularity in the West due to its unique appearance and friendly personality.
Today, the Black Silkie chicken is a popular breed among backyard chicken enthusiasts.
Black Silkies are often kept for their ornamental value and are also used for their meat and eggs.
The breed is known for its broody nature, making it a popular choice for hatching eggs naturally.
Today, the Black Silkie chicken is a popular breed among backyard chicken enthusiasts and is known for its ornamental value, friendly personality, and broody nature.
Physical Characteristics
One of the most distinctive features of Black Silkies is their appearance.
They are small birds, with fluffy black feathers that cover their entire bodies, including their legs and feet.
These feathers are incredibly soft and silky to the touch, which is where the breed gets its name.
Black Silkies also have blue-black skin, bones, and internal organs, which sets them apart from other chicken breeds.
They have black eyes and blue/turquoise earlobes with a blackish-blue beak.
This breed also has five toes with feathered feet, making them stand out among other common breeds.
They are considered to be one of the fluffiest chicken breeds around.
Coloring
The Black Silkie chicken is known for having black skin, black meat, and black bones, which sets them apart from other chicken breeds.
The feathers of the Black Silkie Chicken are also black, and they have a soft, fluffy texture that resembles fur.
The feathers do not have barbs, which gives them a silky appearance and feel.
Size & Weight
The Black Silkie Chicken is a small breed, with a short, rounded body with a broad breast, and a small comb and wattles.
Their legs are black and feathered down to their toes.
Their weight, however, varies depending on the sex of the bird.
The males, or roosters, are generally larger and heavier than the females, or hens.
A mature rooster can weigh up to 2.5 pounds, while a mature hen typically weighs around 1.5 pounds.
Behavior and Temperament
Black Silkie Chickens are known for their gentle and docile temperament, making them a popular choice for backyard flocks.
This breed is known to be:
- Docile
- Friendly
- Social
- Submissive
- Non-aggressive
They are friendly and enjoy human interaction, often seeking attention from their owners.
They also get along well with other chickens and are not known to be aggressive towards other breeds.
In terms of social hierarchy, Silkies are generally submissive and can be bullied by more dominant breeds.
However, they are not known to be aggressive themselves and will usually avoid confrontation.
It is important to provide enough space and resources for all birds in the flock to prevent bullying and ensure a harmonious environment.
Health and Lifespan
Generally, Black Silkie Chickens are healthy birds with few health issues. With proper care, they will thrive and live long happy lives.
However, it is important to be aware of common health issues and take steps to prevent them from occurring.
Common Health Issues
Black Silkie Chickens are generally healthy birds with few health issues.
However, like all chickens, they are prone to certain health problems, including:
- Respiratory infections: Chickens can develop respiratory infections due to poor ventilation, overcrowding, or exposure to other sick birds. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, and wheezing.
- Parasites: Chickens can be infested with external parasites like lice and mites, or internal parasites like worms. Symptoms include feather loss, weight loss, and diarrhea.
- Egg binding: Sometimes, hens can have difficulty laying eggs, which can result in a potentially life-threatening condition called egg binding.
It is important to check your chickens often for any signs of health issues in order to promptly treat the problem and prevent future problems.
Average Lifespan
Black Silkie Chickens have an average lifespan of 5 to 7 years.
However, with proper care, they can live up to 10 years or more.
Factors that can affect their lifespan include:
- Genetics: Some chickens may be genetically predisposed to certain health conditions that can shorten their lifespan.
- Diet: A well-balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs is essential for the health and longevity of Black Silkie Chickens.
- Environment: Chickens that are kept in a clean, stress-free environment with plenty of space to move around are more likely to live longer, healthier lives.
Diet and Nutrition
Black Silkie chickens have a unique diet compared to other chicken breeds.
They require a well-balanced diet to maintain their health and produce high-quality eggs.
A balanced diet for Black Silkie chickens should contain a combination of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Protein
Protein is a crucial component of the Black Silkie chicken’s diet as it helps in the growth and development of muscles and feathers.
The protein requirement for Black Silkie chickens varies depending on their age and whether they are laying eggs or not.
A diet that contains 16-18% protein is recommended for laying hens, while a diet with 18-20% protein is recommended for growing chicks.
These protein needs can be met with a high-quality commercial feed for adult laying hens and a chick starter feed for chicks.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are also essential for Black Silkie chickens as they provide energy for daily activities.
The recommended carbohydrate source for Black Silkie chickens is grains such as corn, wheat, and barley.
Fats
Fats are another crucial component of the Black Silkie chicken’s diet as they provide essential fatty acids that are important for maintaining healthy skin and feathers.
Black Silkie chickens can obtain fats from various sources such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and fish oils.
Other Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are also important for Black Silkie chickens as they help in maintaining their overall health and well-being.
Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium, which is important for strong bones and eggshells.
Calcium and phosphorus are also important minerals for Black Silkie chickens as they help in the formation of bones and eggshells.
Treats & Snacks
Treats, snacks, and table scraps should only make up about 10%-20% of a Silkie’s overall diet, with the majority being a high-end commercial feed.
However, healthy treats and snacks can be a great way to add some additional nutrients into their diet.
Black Silkies can eat fruits such as watermelon, kiwis, and berries, and vegetables such as celery, green beans, or leafy greens.
Egg Production
Black Silkie chickens are known for their unique appearance and gentle temperament, but they are also sometimes valued for their egg production.
While they may not be the most prolific layers, they do produce a respectable number of eggs per year.
On average, a Black Silkie hen will lay around 100-120 small, cream-colored eggs per year.
This is fewer than some other breeds, such as Leghorns or Rhode Island Reds, which can lay upwards of 300 eggs per year.
However, Black Silkies are not typically kept for their egg-laying abilities alone.
One advantage of Black Silkie eggs is their rich, flavorful yolks.
The yolks are a deep yellow or orange in color and are often described as having a buttery taste.
This is due to the high levels of carotenoids in the birds’ diet, which are passed on to the eggs.
Another benefit of Black Silkie eggs is their size.
While they are smaller than some other breeds, they are well-suited for use in recipes that call for smaller eggs, such as custards or quiches.
Overall, while Black Silkie chickens may not be the top egg producers, their eggs are highly prized for their unique qualities and flavor.
Broodiness
Silkies are known for their strong mothering instincts and make excellent broody hens.
They are known to go broody frequently and will often sit on eggs for extended periods of time, even if they are not fertilized.
Once the chicks hatch, Silkies are attentive and protective mothers, often continuing to care for their offspring even after they are fully grown.
They are known to be excellent foster mothers and will readily adopt chicks from other hens as well.
Black Silkie Chicken Breeding and Reproduction
Breeding black silkie chickens is a straightforward process that requires a rooster and a hen.
The hens are known for their broodiness, which means they have a strong tendency to sit on their eggs and hatch them.
This trait makes them excellent mothers, but it can also make it challenging to collect their eggs for incubation.
Incubation Period
The incubation period for black silkie chicken eggs is approximately 21 days.
During this time, the eggs must be kept at a constant temperature of around 99.5°F (37.5°C) and a humidity level of 50-60% inside the incubator.
It is essential to turn the eggs regularly to prevent the embryos from sticking to the shell.
The eggs should be turned at least three times a day, and it is best to do so at regular intervals.
Once the eggs hatch, the chicks should be kept in a warm and dry environment inside a brooder.
Each chick will need enough space to move around freely to eat, drink, and move about under the heat lamp or plate.
They should be fed a high-protein chick starter feed and provided with clean water.
It is also important to keep their brooder clean to prevent the chicks from getting sick.
Raising Black Silkie Chickens
Black Silkie chickens are fairly hardy and easy to maintain when given the proper care.
They have the same basic needs as some other chicken breeds like a clean coop, plenty of space, a high-quality diet, and access to fresh water.
Here are some tips on how to properly care for Black Silkie chickens.
Housing Requirements
When raising black silkie chickens, it is important to provide them with a suitable living space.
They require a dry, draft-free coop that is well-ventilated.
The coop should be spacious enough for the chickens to move around comfortably and have a nesting area for them to lay eggs.
Each Black Silkie chicken should have about 4 square feet of space inside their coop and 8-10 square feet of space in their run or free-ranging.
The coop should also have a secure door to keep predators out.
Silkie chickens are not good flyers, so the coop should have a low ceiling and a fenced outdoor area for them to roam around.
The outdoor area should be covered to protect them from the sun and rain. A shaded area is also important for them to rest and cool down during hot weather.
Handling and Care
Black silkie chickens are docile and friendly creatures, making them great pets. They require daily care and attention to keep them healthy.
Here are some tips on how to handle and care for them:
- Feed them a balanced diet of high-quality chicken feed and supplement with fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Provide them with access to clean water at all times.
- Keep their coop and outdoor area clean and free of debris.
- Inspect their feathers regularly for signs of mites or lice.
- Trim their nails and beak as needed.
- Handle them gently and avoid stressing them out.
Raising Black Silkie chickens requires a suitable living space and daily care and attention.
With proper handling and care, they can be great pets and provide you with delicious eggs.
Black Silkie Uses and Benefits
Black Silkie chickens may not be the best egg-layers, but there are a few added benefits of keeping this breed.
As Pets
Black Silkie Chicken is a popular choice as a pet because of its unique appearance and friendly nature.
They are a great addition to a backyard flock and are known for their calm and docile temperament.
They are also great with children and make excellent pets for families.
In Agriculture
Black Silkie chickens are not only great pets, but they are also valuable birds in agriculture.
They are commonly used for meat and egg production and are known for their high-quality meat and eggs.
They are also great foragers and can help control pests in gardens and farms.
In Cuisine
Black Silkie Chicken is a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine.
The meat is known for its tender texture and rich flavor, making it a favorite in many dishes.
The black color of the skin and meat is also highly valued in Chinese culture and is said to have medicinal properties.
When cooking with Black Silkie Chicken, it is important to note that the meat is darker in color and has a higher fat content than other chicken breeds.
This makes it ideal for slow-cooking methods such as braising or stewing.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Black Silkie chickens are a docile, lovable breed that are fairly hardy and fun to keep.
Not to mention they are one of the fluffiest chicken breeds to have in your flock.
Although they aren’t egg-laying powerhouses, they make excellent pets and are great for backyards.
So, if you are searching for a unique and beautiful breed to add to your flock, the Black Silkie chicken may be a great option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What color egg does a Black Silkie lay?
Black Silkies lay cream-colored eggs, just like other Silkie varieties.
They are small in size, but their shells are strong and durable.
Their yolks are also creamy, rich, and nutritious.
Are Black Silkie chickens rare?
Black Silkies are not as common as other Silkie varieties, but they are not considered rare.
They can be found in many hatcheries and backyard flocks.
What are the black Silkies called?
Black Silkies are simply called “Black Silkies.” They are a recognized variety of Silkie chicken.
What makes Silkie chickens black?
Black Silkies have a genetic mutation that causes their feathers, skin, and even their bones to be black. This mutation is called fibromelanosis.
What is the price of Silkie chicken meat?
Silkie chickens are not typically raised for meat production, as they are small and have a lower meat-to-bone ratio than other breeds.
However, if you do find Silkie meat for sale, it may be more expensive than other types of chicken meat due to its unique texture and flavor.
What colors can Silkie chickens come in?
Silkie chickens can come in a variety of colors, including white, black, blue, splash, buff, and gray.
They are also sometimes bred to have frizzled feathers, which give them a curly appearance.