Exhibition Silkies

What is the Silkie fowl?

The Silkie is a breed of fowl belonging to the general group of domesticated poultry with a 'fur' like plumage.  In size it is small and as a result in the USA it is regarded as a bantam ie; a small fowl which is usually around 25% of the size of a standard type of fowl.  In the UK it is classified as a normal large fowl, but the silkie club also recognize a bantam.

The weights for the standard large fowl silkie is 4lb for male and 3lb for the female.  It is classified as a light breed soft feather.  In the USA the weights are slightly lower being 36oz. for male and 32oz. for female but birds not fully matured will weigh less.

There are five standardised colours in the UK.  White, black, blue, gold and partridge.

Cuckoo/Splash or A.O.C  Silkies can only be entered into the non-standard Silkie class at shows.

All silkies have five toes; this is known as POLYDACTYLY and is inherited through the genes..

Some silkies are bearded (with a clearly defined muff and beard but still including the crest) This should be thick and full under the chin.

Silkies should have turquise or mulberry earlobes- preferably turquise -thats what we aim for.

Most silkies will go broody after laying approx dozen eggs.  They aren't always the most reliable broodys used as the chicks can sometimes get entangled in the hen's fluff, which leads them to strangle and die, but they have a very calm temperament for raising chicks.  We always use silkie sussex they're very reliable and common broodys.

Silkies are prone to scaley leg mite.(if kept in wet or muddy conditions the feathers become damaged - they get dirty and worn. Unless the legs receive regular attention they are subject to scaley leg, a condition which results in the legs becoming quite disfigured and ruff.) Vaseline or surgical spirit will usually do the job if reapplied regularly but other options are available.

Silkies  are also prone to marek's disease...A fatal, sporadically occurring illness.  Infected animals show symptoms of paralysis that often go hand in hand with a contraction of the toes, with legs stretching either forwards or backwards.  Sometimes it may take a couple of weeks or so, but birds with this disease unfortunately always die as there is no remedy.  Some people say it is best to prevent the disease through vaccination. Others feel it is best to be bred out over many years and build up their resistance.  If you do choose to vaccinate they should be done at day old.

Most silkies cannot fly, this is due to the fact they have osprey wings (the feathers are ragged and are not full feathers.  No hard webs) so there's usually no problem keeping them in an  fenced area. 

Some Silkie chicks may appear to have a dome on their head- don't panic! Usually these are pullets (not always) and will have bigger sized crests (example below):

Showing Poultry

We have won almost 70 PCGB Diploma Awards!

PCGB diplomas

When you arrive at a show, go and get your penning slip or catalogue - this tells you what cages(pens) your birds are in.  Then bring your birds in and ensure they are clean and all the feathers are good, clean and tidy,  you may wish to apply oil/vaseline etc to the comb, wattles & legs - this adds a nice sheen.  It is best not to apply too much or they will look 'overdone'.

When showing poultry you can't just make sure they look clean a couple of days prior to the show day, you must also ensure they are fit, free from any disease or mites (or may be passed) and good care must be taken every day of the year. You must also make sure it is in good condition and that they are kept in a clean and healthy environment...(Once stained it is extremly difficult to remove, especially on white birds and feathered feet) When transporting birds to a show it is recommended to use wood shavings in your boxes/cat baskets.

 All poultry that is shown must be a standard colour and up to the correct standard required - unless stated as a non standard colour class. eg- Cuckoo Silkies cannot be entered into a standard Silkie class as they are not stated as a standard colour with the Silkie Club of GB. Training for show isn't too difficult- naturally tame breeds seem much easier.  We put them in show cages, handle them everytime we go in there and make sure they are not flightly or aggressive. 

Grooming

When birds go to a show, it is more like a 'beauty contest'.  For the exhibitors, it is essential to present and take care of their birds as well as possible for the judging.  This won't be managed by giving the birds a quick wash a couple of days before the show.  You must work hard throughout the year towards the shows.  By good care, feeding and clean housing, you can make sure that the feathers are in perfect condition and undamaged.  Before any show the birds should be washed a couple of days in advance and kept in pristine condition until show day.

Cuckoo Silkies

They need alot of work doing on to get their skin colour to the mulberry that it should, it may never be 100% perfect.  It can prove extremly difficult for any dedicated breeder.

The Yokohama

There is much difficulty caring for the males as they will get damaged in damp, muddy conditions or if left with no perch vermin can chew their tails, which will spoil any hope of show for them until they moult. To prevent insects and mites spoiling the tail, spraying an insecticide over should help prevent this occurring. But, don't let this put you off getting some, they are a lovely breed.

The perfect bird should require length and fullness of not only the narrow tail but also the neck and saddle hackles, which should be carried over the long flight feathers. The R/S should have clear white spangling evenly spread on his breast, which is sometimes described as ‘tear drop’ shaped.  No true R/S Yokohama has blue or red in the neck, saddle or tail. However, singular black feathers show up occasionally. But, you must remember colour is only a minor percentage as it is mainly the tail and hackle in which you get points for. In Britain the Phoenix is called Yokohama. Legs may be yellow, willow or slate-blue (yellow only in red-saddled), and combs maybe single, pea or walnut. (Earlobes may be pure white or pure red in game-coloured birds, red only in the red-saddled)

PCGB Rings.

We ring everything with the poultry club of great britain, it seems very helpful for recognising certain ones and you can keep a track on which one is bred off which.  We would recommend it.