Last Updated on August 14, 2023
Nature has created everything in the best of forms. When you look around and see, the only thing you observe portrays nature’s magnificence. The textures, the designs, and the structures all are so unique and distinctive. Isn’t that intriguing to see so many things that are similar yet different from one another?
Taking a deep insight into the reality of life, one comes to the conclusion that every creature has its body structure, color, and pattern that suit it the best. And, among all other creatures, birds have always been the fascinating ones.
The way their body is created delicately speaks of their fragility. The way their feathers line up adds to their beauty. Plus, the way they make movements and take their flights are quite interesting scenes to watch.
Then there are chickens, the non-flying birds. The ones that are known as important food for humans. In addition, they have been playing the role of adornments and ornaments for many years.
In the list of tremendous chickens, Frizzle Silkie chickens are of profound interest. They, like any other Silkie chicken, are the most enchanting breed of chickens.
Here, being a veterinarian, I would take you along on the journey to explore and discover more about this beautiful gift of nature.
Table of Contents
History of Frizzle Silkie Chickens
Frizzle silkies have been around for many years. However, their exact origin is still unknown.
They were first reported by Aldrovandus in the 1600s. Plus, Charles Darwin also mentioned them in his writings, and called them the “Caffie Fowls”. They were mentioned to be seen in England during the year 1676. Hence, it is evident that they existed long before our forefathers were born.
Though their origin is vague, many people believe that they emerged from the Far East, especially China. Also, Darwin’s writings suggest that they belong to the subcontinent, specifically India.
After the imports started via shipping, many exotic species of Frizzle Silkies were imported to the Western regions. They then became quite common in the West as well.
Nowadays, they are bred for their extraordinary appearance in nearly every corner of the world.
Physical Appearance of the Frizzle Silkies
Silkie chickens are known for their odd yet awesome feathers. Their bodies, like other chicken breeds, are covered with feathers from the head to the shanks. The shanks are free of feathers, and the legs also appear clean. How interesting is that!
Frizzle chickens, as the name indicates, have frizzled outwardly curled feathers over their bodies. The feathers make them look rough. However, the roughness does not lessen their beauty rather they seem extremely captivating.
The curly feathers, nevertheless, are not waterproof and can make them wet even if a small quantity of water is sprayed. Secondly, the feathers are also a reason they cannot fly like other birds.
The comb and wattles of frizzle silkies can be black or mulberry in color. In addition, the earlobes are either shaded turquoise or mulberry. The color scheme makes them appear bright and eye-catching.
Their eyes are usually small and round with black as the lens color. Moreover, black is so their color! You will be astonished to know that they are black from the skin to the bones. Yes! They have black skin along with black bones. This is the feature that only a few chicken breeds enjoy.
Additionally, their feet and beaks are also black. It makes them quite visible in the tuft of feathers over their entire bodies. Unlike other chickens, they have five-clawed feet. The fifth claw extends to the back.
The Silkies have a small miniature appearance. That is the reason why they are known as true bantams. The Frizzle Silkie hens weigh 1-3 kg with 8-10 inches in height. Plus, the roosters weigh 1-8 kg with 8-11 inches of height.
The eggs of Frizzle silkies range in color from cream to brown. The hens lay eggs 2-4 times per week. Furthermore, the breed is also known for broodiness.
The feathers have a variety of colors including buff, black-red, brown-red, blue Columbian, cuckoo, duck wing, Pyle, red, spangled, and white. This extends their beauty spectrum even more. And, their bright colors are one of the reasons people opt for keeping them as pets and ornamentals.
Nevertheless, the frizzle gene is heterozygous, and not all the offspring have frizzled feathers. The frizzle gene is inherited in a 1:2:1 ratio from parents into the chicks. Due to this, 50% of chicks appear frizzled, 25% have normal feathers, and the other 25% have over-frizzled feathers.
Since they have a small size, they are easy to manage in a smaller area. Besides, they are unable to fly so they cannot cross the fence or walls around them. Hence, they will stay in a single place unless you them yourself.
Care Requirements
The curly feathers are prone to mites and lice. So, Frizzle silkies require extra care to avoid parasites attacking them. If proper hygiene is not maintained, lice and mites may spread all over their body, causing itching and irritation.
Another critical condition rises when the chickens enter the molting phase. The curly feathers, though beautiful, can make the chickens bleed by coming through & again. Thus, silkies need additional attention when they molt and grow.
This breed is not cold-tolerant. It is because the structure of feathers is such that it does not lock in heat. So, they need warm cozy environments during the winter season.
Since the Frizzle silkies cannot fly, it is difficult for them to reach high roosts. So, it is recommended to make less heightened roosts for them.
The best part of raising Frizzle silkies is that they do not require any specialized diet. They can feed well on chicken scratch. So, you are good to go if you can manage to feed them grains and seeds.
In addition to this, they are easy to breed. Usually, ten hens are recommended per rooster. So, you can manage the number of males and females according to the requirement. A good number is necessary for healthy egg production and chick hatching.
The temperament of Frizzle Silkie Chickens
The frizzle silkies are very docile and friendly in nature. They have a playful and joyous nature that makes them even more attractive.
Their apparent fragility is augmented when the softness of their nature is shown. It helps to tame them with much ease. Plus, they are quite inquisitive and are always on the way to exploring things.
They love to be treated with affection. And, they enjoy sitting on the lap of their owners. They are harmless and do not attack human beings. Therefore, they can be a good option for the backyards of houses with children and old-age citizens.
As mentioned earlier, they have a friendly nature. This factor helps them to mix up with other chicken breeds without any resistance or retaliation. Nonetheless, you must keep them away from aggressive breeds as they are very delicate and cannot fight back.
Adding more, the hens have a very motherly nature. Though not very good layers, the hens are very keen on looking after their young ones. Also, the roosters are loveable and cheerful.
Final Thoughts
Apart from chicken fanciers, poultry owners, and breeders, a person of any other occupation can also keep silkies as pets. If you too are thinking of adorning your house with pets other than cats and dogs, so frizzle Silkie chickens are the best choice for you.
The cost of frizzle silkies in the market is very reasonable. Hence, they can be pocket-friendly creatures to purchase. Their lovely temperament is a complementary trait that you get in exchange for money. Also, they are very handy and easy to deal with, therefore the contentment you get with their presence is unmatched.
Moreover, they can be a reliable source of making money. You can start by keeping them in your backyard and letting them grow. As the new chicks are hatched, you can sell them to the interested ones. Consequently, you can generate a good income in a short period.
Not much evidence has been recorded on their use as a protein diet. Nevertheless, they are utilized as a food source in very few parts of the world. Their feathers are also used for decoration purposes, clothing, and jewelry making.
But, the use of feathers in such activities is not supported since it reflects animal abuse and u necessary killing. Additionally, the bird has many benefits to keeping it away from such acts. The breeders and keepers are trying their best to save this breed from getting extinct.
I, being a veterinarian, stand in favor of keeping and breeding the Frizzle Silkie Chickens.
Research References
Storey, Alice A., et al. “Pre-Columbian chickens of the Americas: A critical review of the hypotheses and evidence for their origins.” Rapa Nui J 25.2 (2011): 5-19.
LANDAUER, WALTER, and L. C. Dunn. “The “Frizzle” characters of fowls: Its Expression and Inheritance.” Journal of Heredity 21.7 (1930): 291-305.
Hutt, F. B. “Genetics of the fowl V The modified frizzle.” J Genet 32 (1936): 277-285.
Williams, Tara Layman. The Complete Guide to Raising Chickens: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply. Atlantic Publishing Company, 2011.
