SILKIE

History: An old breed, originating from Asia – some say India, or China & Japan. Although lightweight, it is not classed as a bantam but as a large fowl light breed.

Characteristics: This is a stylish and compact bird with a broad, fluffy body. The back is short and silky and the breast is broad and full. The wings are soft and fluffy, with the ends of the flights similar to ‘osprey plumage’. The tail is short and ragged. The head is short and neat with a soft and full crest with a dozen or so soft silky feathers streaming backwards from the lower back part of the crest. The comb is almost circular in shape and the face is smooth. The legs are short and are covered with fluff and feathers right down to the toes. Silkies are characteristically a very reliable broody.

Colours: White, black, blue, gold, partridge, bearded.

At The Garden Hen we keep the gold variety which is a bright and even shade of gold throughout, with darker feathers sometimes in the tails.

Why do we keep Silkies at The Garden Hen? They are exceptional broodies and have unique fluffy feathering.