Class:
Aves
Order:
Galliformes
Scientific Name:
Gallus gallus domesticus bantam silkie
Range:
Probably originated in eastern Asia (China). Now kept domestically worldwide.
Habitat:
A warm, dry place with low perches and nesting boxes.
Diet:
Zoo: Game bird chow, small amount of greens (produce), occasional mealworm
Gestation:
22 days
Litter:
8 – 12 eggs
Life Span:
Up to 12 years
Description:
Silkie chickens are a domestic breed named for their feathers, which are almost silk-like in appearance. The feathers come in a variety of colors, including black, white, blue, buff, brown and gray. They may be bearded or non-bearded, but all have a crest of feathers on top of their head, feathers on their legs and feathers continue along the middle toe on each foot. They have short, stout legs ending in 5 toes, with three out front straight and the hind toe is double. The Silkie Bantam is the only breed of bantam with black skin.
Did You Know?
Most birds have tiny hooks called barbicels that keep their feathers laying flat, but Silkie chickens’ feathers do not so their feathers are fluffy.
Silkies are mostly show birds.
Where in the Zoo?
I can be found in the Conservation Education Programs at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
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