The Silkie Rooster, also known as the silkie of Japan or the silkie of China, is an ornamental breed named for its uncharacteristically fluffy plumage, which is said to feel like silk.
This breed is commonly known for its incredible friendliness, which makes it an incredible pet, combined with its unusual appearance.
It is an ancient breed of Chinese origin, especially in the southern part of the country.
The first reference to this rooster is from the 13th century and is written by Marco Polo.
In his writings, he speaks of a hairy hen found in Queli Fú (southern China).
But it is not until the beginning of the 18th century that these chickens arrive in Europe.
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Silkie Rooster Characteristics
The Silkie Rooster is a unique and beautiful bird. They are a light breed of chicken with a broad, robust body that is covered in fine fluffy feathers.
It has a particular reddish crest and a flattened shape.
The male has a very beautiful crow and makes it more striking by its constant flapping while singing.
Its chest is broad, robust, and with a neck full of plumage. The wings of this bird are soft and fluffy.
Its tail is short and curved with stiffer feathers compared to the rest of the body.
The head is short with a beautiful crest, and its bill is short but with a wider base.
This beautiful bird has very bright black eyes, with spread thighs and short legs with beautiful silky plumage.
Another feature that makes this bird even more interesting is that it has 5 toes instead of 4, like most chicken species.
Also, this animal’s skin and bones are black, and its earlobes are deep blue, which makes it even more a rather rare species.
In the herd between them, they dispute the leadership in periodic confrontations. It is a way of confirming itself as a dominant rooster.
Chickens of this species usually weigh between 1 to 1.3 Kg.
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Silkie Rooster temperament
The Silkie rooster is a very calm, confident, and friendly breed making it an excellent pet.
This bird cannot fly, so you can easily have them in your home with low fences.
Also, the roosters of this species are very good parents, and it is easy to see them stimulating the little chicks so that they learn to eat and scratch at their call.
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Silkie Rooster Care:
If you have never had a bird-like this and you have no idea how to take care of it and feed it, do not worry here; I leave you a guide that we help you care for your Silkie Rooster.
Food
The Silkie Rooster is a rather small bird, so it is better to feed them with ground food rather than pellets to make it easier for the animal to eat and digest the food.
If they decided to raise these animals from the time they are chicks, remember to feed them food that is specific to chicks for the first 16 to 18 weeks of life.
It is also good to give them an adequate dose of vitamins to keep their immune system in good condition.
Please consult with your veterinarian to recommend which vitamins to give them and in what dose.
Chicken Coop
Silkie Rooster will need a house free from drafts but well ventilated so that they can be protected from the weather and stay dry and warm.
Inside the chicken coop, it must have at least 1 m of space per bird, in order to provide comfort for the breeds.
Diseases
The Silkie Rooster can be prone to certain diseases or health problems, including scaly leg mites and Marek’s disease.
Scaly leg mites are a parasite that mostly attacks chickens with feathered legs.
So you must keep the chicken coop clean and have an area where the bird can take sand baths.
These two suggestions will be more than enough to keep your chickens healthy and avoid these pesky parasites.
But, if you notice that scaly leg mites are attacking your bird, it is best that you go to the vet to treat it as quickly as possible.
Marek’s disease is caused by the herpes virus, which can be contagious to other birds. There is no cure for this disease, so it is best to prevent it.
Don’t crowd your birds, keep living conditions as healthy and hygienic as possible, quarantine newcomers, and even vaccinate your chicks against the disease.
Also, your bird can be affected by lice. Due to their characteristic plumage, they will likely get lice in the neck and saddle area.
If you notice that the feathers near the crest begin to fall, it is a sign that the animal has it. Once you see this, you must apply some spray against lice to eliminate it.
Bath
It is advisable to bathe the Silkie Rooster by hand and dry its plumage well. To do this, you can use a dog shampoo diluted in water.
Can you eat a silkie rooster?
The answer is yes. Although within America and Europe, consuming Silkie Rooster meat is unusual and exotic, you can consume this type of meat.
But, in Asia (especially Japan, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Korea), which this bird originates from, consuming Silkie Rooster meat is considered a gourmet dish.
You can find it in dishes such as broth, stew, and curry.
Why is silkie chicken meat black?
The unusual skin color the silkie chickens have is due to a fibromelanosis which is basically a mutation that happens centuries ago in southeastern Asia.
How much does a silkie rooster cost?
This could depend on the market o location you are purchasing, but the rate is usually between 10-20 for the chicks and 25-50 for the hens.
Conclusion: Silkie Rooster Characteristics
This beautiful animal is perfect for all location, farm, backyard or you home.
It is friendly, cool to have, and will bring joy to your chicken coop.
Plus, if you have kids, I assure you they will love him.
It a very recomended bird.
I hope this article was helpful; thank you for reading.