Silky Chicken

size

Weight. males 2.5-4 lbs. " females 2-2.5 lbs.

characteristics

Adaptations/Coloration. white or black " skin & internal organs are violet to black
Beak. short & stout " curves to a point
Build. square " compact " full-breasted
Comb. round " lumpy " colored with white
Eyes. large " round " prominent
Facial Skin. smooth " fine
Feathers. loose " fluffy " stand out in all directions " gives appearance of larger bird than weight justifies " fluffy webless feathers extend down onto legs
Head. moderately small
Tail. short " broad " round " filled underneath with soft, fluffy plumage
Toes. 5 " most chickens have 4

reproduction/life span

Life span. 8-15 yrs.
Eggs. small pale buff " lays 10-25 before wanting to sit
Motherhood. excellent mothers " used as foster mothers for bantams & pheasants because down feathers make warm covers for chicks

diet

same as any chicken " grains & chicken scratch

habitat/range

believed seen by explorers with Marco Polo in China " thought to be cross between chicken & rabbit " bred extensively in England, to a lesser degree in us, for competitive showing

status

domestic

other

often seen at county & state fairs

oregon zoo exhibit

Education Programs