Silkie Chickens

Silkies are believed to have originated from China where they are used in Chinese medicine and also considered quite a cullinary delicacy. In other countries their fluffy feathers and black bones and skin ensure they are almost always kept as pets. Exactly when the breed was established is not known, but records of them exist as far back as the end of the 13th Century. In Europe and Australia, there are both standard and bantam Silkies. In the United States and Canada, the only Silkies are bantams.

Meet Wilma White and Betty Black

These two gorgeous silkies belong to proud new chicken mommy Kathy Molizon (who also designed and built the chicken tractor they are living in).

**UPDATE Wilma started crowing a few days ago - it looks like the name will be 'Willy White' now :-) **

There are six standard colors for silkies: black, blue, buff, white, partridge and gray.