Black Silkie Bantam

Black Silkie Bantam Chicken

The Black Bearded Silkie Bantam is a unique and ancient breed, first described by naturalist Ulisse Aldrovandi in 1598 as “wool-bearing chickens” with feathers resembling the soft fur of a black cat. Much like a kitten, these Silkies make fantastic pets and love to snuggle on your lap.

In 1975, the black Silkie was accepted as the second Silkie variety in the American Poultry Association (APA) Standard, 91 years after the original Silkie made its debut. These charming bantams are entirely black, apart from their turquoise earlobes and deep purple combs and wattles. If you have other chicken breeds that don’t brood well, Silkie hens are exceptional mothers and eagerly hatch and raise chicks of any breed, making them a versatile addition to any flock.

Health and Care:

• Hardy and Resilient: The Black Silkie Bantam is generally a hardy breed. However, due to its silky feathers, it can be more susceptible to cold weather, as its feathers don’t provide as much insulation as the more traditional feathers of other breeds. In colder climates, it’s important to provide them with adequate shelter and protection from drafts. Similarly, in hot weather, they should have access to shade and fresh water, as their feathers may make them prone to heat stress.
  
  
• Disease Resistance: Silkie Bantams are typically healthy and disease-resistant when raised in clean, well-maintained environments. However, their silky feathers are more prone to getting dirty or matted, so it is essential to regularly check them for dirt, debris, or parasites like mites or lice.
  
  
• Low Maintenance: They are relatively low maintenance in terms of general care. They require a clean and dry living environment, access to a balanced diet, and fresh water. Their unique feathers do need to be groomed occasionally to keep them clean and free from dirt buildup.
  
  

Egg Laying:

• Moderate Egg Production: The Black Silkie Bantam is not a prolific egg layer compared to some other breeds, but it produces small white eggs consistently. They typically lay around 100-150 eggs per year. This makes them a good option for families or small-scale egg production.
  
  
• Seasonal Laying: Like many chickens, the Silkie Bantam’s egg production may slow down during the winter months when daylight hours are shorter. However, with supplemental lighting in the winter months, egg production can continue throughout the year.
  
  
• Small White Eggs: The eggs produced by Black Silkie Bantams are generally small and white. While they are smaller than those from larger breeds, they are consistent in quality and are well-suited for personal use or small households.

Temperament:

• Gentle and Friendly: One of the most remarkable features of the Black Silkie Bantam is its calm, docile, and friendly nature. Silkie bantams are known for being incredibly gentle, making them perfect for families with children or those new to keeping chickens. They are often referred to as having a “pet-like” demeanor, as they enjoy human interaction and are easy to handle.
  
  
• Sociable: These chickens are generally social and enjoy the company of other chickens. They are not territorial or aggressive and tend to get along well with other breeds in a mixed-flock setting. Due to their friendly nature, they can be kept with larger or smaller breeds without issue.
  
  
• Curious and Calm: Black Silkie Bantams are curious but calm birds. They tend to enjoy free-ranging and foraging but will remain relaxed and non-aggressive around people or other animals. They are more likely to follow their owners around or seek attention rather than engage in conflict.

Appearance:

• Unique Black Plumage: The Black Silkie Bantam has charcoal black feathers that are unlike the feathers of most chicken breeds. The feathers are silky in texture, and the bird’s plumage has a soft, almost fluffy appearance. The black coloration gives them a striking, regal look.
  
  
• Feathered Legs and Feet: Like all Silkies, the Black Silkie Bantam has feathered legs and feet, which contribute to its unique and ornamental appearance. The feathers on their legs are soft and fluffy, and they may need extra care to keep them clean, especially in wet or muddy conditions.
  
  
• Small, Compact Size: Being a bantam breed, the Black Silkie Bantam is smaller in size compared to regular chickens. They are compact and lightweight, with hens typically weighing around 1-1.5 pounds, and roosters around 1.5-2 pounds. Despite their small size, their fluffy plumage and feathered feet give them a much fuller, rounder look.
  
  
• Distinctive Comb and Wattles: The Black Silkie Bantam has a small, walnut-shaped comb that is red, and it has small red wattles. The comb and wattles provide a beautiful contrast to their dark plumage and are a distinguishing feature of the breed.
  
  
• Black Skin: An interesting feature of the Black Silkie Bantam is its black skin. Unlike most chickens, which have pale skin, Silkie chickens have dark, almost black skin, adding to their exotic and distinctive look.

What is a Black Bearded Silkie Bantam?
A unique, fluffy bantam breed with black feathers, turquoise earlobes, and purple combs, known for its friendly and broody nature.

Are Black Bearded Silkies good pets?
Yes, they are gentle and affectionate, making them wonderful pets that enjoy snuggling.

When was the Black Silkie recognized by the American Poultry Association?
It was recognized in 1975 as the second Silkie variety.

Do Black Bearded Silkie Bantams make good brooders?
Absolutely, they are excellent brooders and will happily hatch and raise chicks from any breed.

Where can I buy Black Bearded Silkie Bantams?
Check with specialized hatcheries or poultry suppliers for availability.

Black Silkie Bantam Facts