Splash Silkie Bantam

Splash Silkie Bantam Chicken

The Splash Bearded Silkie Bantam is a stunning breed with soft, fluffy plumage in white or pale blue, accented by unique patches of black or dark blue. This eye-catching variety was officially recognized by the American Poultry Association in 2000, making it one of the newer additions to the APA Standard.

Perfect for poultry shows, the Splash Bearded Silkie Bantam is sure to impress with its distinct coloring and calm nature. Known for being exceptionally kid-friendly and getting along well with other breeds, these bantams make wonderful pets. They also love to brood, making them ideal for accommodating and raising eggs or chicks from other breeds. Add a touch of charm to your flock with this gentle, show-ready breed!

Health and Care:

• Hardy and Resilient: The Splash Silkie Bantam is generally a hardy breed. However, because of their delicate, fluffy feathers, they are more vulnerable to extreme temperatures. In cold climates, they need to be provided with adequate shelter to protect them from the cold, as their fine feathers do not provide much insulation. In warmer climates, they need access to shade and plenty of fresh water to avoid heat stress.
  
  
• Disease Resistance: Silkies, including the Splash Silkie Bantam, are generally disease-resistant, but they can be prone to certain health issues due to their unique feather structure. Regular checks for mites and lice around their feathers, particularly on their legs and crest, are important. Keeping their living environment clean and dry helps maintain their health and well-being.
  
  
• Low Maintenance: Splash Silkie Bantams are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to feeding and care. They need a balanced diet, fresh water, and a clean coop. However, their long feathers require regular grooming to keep them free from dirt and prevent matting, especially during wet weather.
  
  
  

Egg Laying:

• Moderate Egg Production: Like other Silkie bantams, the Splash Silkie Bantam is not a prolific egg layer, producing around 100-150 small white eggs per year. While they are not high producers, they still provide a steady supply of eggs for small households or personal use.
  
  
• Seasonal Laying: Egg production can slow during the winter months due to shorter daylight hours. However, with supplemental lighting in the winter months, egg production can remain consistent year-round.
  
  
• Small White Eggs: The eggs they lay are typically small and white. While not as large as those from standard breeds, they are perfect for home kitchens or small-scale egg production.
  
  

Temperament:

• Gentle and Friendly: One of the main reasons the Splash Silkie Bantam is so popular is its calm, docile, and friendly temperament. These chickens are often described as pet-like, as they enjoy being handled and are very affectionate. They are great for families, children, and first-time chicken keepers.
  
  
• Sociable: Splash Silkie Bantams are social birds that enjoy the company of other chickens. They tend to be non-aggressive and get along well with other breeds in a mixed-flock setting. Due to their gentle nature, they rarely engage in fighting or bullying, making them ideal for community settings.
  
  
• Quiet and Calm: These bantams are relatively quiet compared to other breeds. Their peaceful demeanor and low noise level make them well-suited for urban environments or areas with noise restrictions. They are not flighty and are known for their calm and relaxed nature.
  

Appearance:

• Distinctive Splash Plumage: The Splash Silkie Bantam has a soft blue-and-white mix of feathers, creating a unique "splash" pattern. This gives them a washed-out, soft appearance, with darker blue patches around their neck and wings. Their delicate feathers have a beautiful texture that adds to their ornamental value.
  
  
• Silky Feathers: Like all Silkies, the Splash Silkie Bantam has silky, fluffy feathers that are a defining characteristic of the breed. These fine, soft feathers give the bird a fluffy appearance, and they don’t resemble traditional chicken feathers, making the Silkie bantam an eye-catching breed.
  
  
• Small and Compact Build: The Splash Silkie Bantam is a small, compact bird, typically weighing around 1-1.5 pounds for hens and 1.5-2 pounds for roosters. Their small size and fluffy appearance make them appear larger than they are, but they are lightweight and delicate.
  
  
• Feathered Legs and Feet: Like all Silkie chickens, the Splash Silkie Bantam has feathered legs and feet, which adds to their unique appearance. The feathers on their legs are soft and fluffy, and they need to be kept clean to prevent dirt from accumulating.
  
  
• Small Comb and Wattles: The Splash Silkie Bantam has a small, walnut-shaped comb and small wattles. These features are not as prominent as those of other breeds, contributing to their delicate, ornamental appearance. The red comb and wattles contrast beautifully with their soft plumage.

What is a Splash Bearded Silkie Bantam?
A beautiful bantam breed with white or pale blue plumage and dark patches, recognized by the APA in 2000.

Are Splash Bearded Silkies good for kids?
Yes, they are exceptionally kid-friendly and gentle.

Do Splash Bearded Silkie Bantams make good show birds?
Absolutely, their unique coloring and calm nature make them great for poultry shows.

Can Splash Bearded Silkies raise chicks from other breeds?
Yes, they enjoy brooding and will happily raise eggs or chicks from other breeds.

Where can I buy Splash Bearded Silkie Bantams?
Available at Chicken Coop Company—contact us for more information!

Splash Silkie Bantam Facts