Partridge Silkie Bantam

Silkies were described by Marco Polo in the 13th century as “hens which have hair like cats, are black, and lay the best eggs.” Partridge Silkie bantam chicks are dark brown with streaks down the back and dark spots on their heads. Their skin, beak, legs and toes are black. Some have beards and muffs while others do not. They have walnut combs, a small crest, five toes on each foot and feathers on their legs and feet. Adult females are noticeably lighter than the males with most of the feathers being reddish bay with black penciling. The males have back, hackle, saddle and tail covert feathers that are greenish black with red edging. The main tail is black while the sickles, lesser sickles and breast are greenish black. They are noticeable for their hair like feathers created by their lack of tiny hamuli and scrolls that allow the barbules of the feather to connect.