Detailed profile of this breed: origin, year of creation, recognised varieties and official approvals.
Breed Summary
The Silkied Chabo, also known as the Chabo Silk, is a dwarf chicken breed that features a unique feathering style that resembles silk. They are known for their rounded bodies, short legs, and charming personality. These birds are primarily raised for ornamental purposes due to their distinctive appearance and beautiful plumage.
Detailed Origin
The Silkied Chabo originates from Japan, where the Chabo itself was recognized as an ancient breed. The Silkied variant was developed through selective breeding to enhance the silky feathering, which is a mutation that allows them to possess soft and fluffy plumage. This breed has been cherished in Japan for centuries and has gained popularity around the world for ornamental poultry.
Detailed Description
Silkied Chabo chickens are small, typically weighing between 1.1 to 1.5 kg (2.4 to 3.3 lbs). They exhibit an upright posture with a broad, rounded body. Their feathers are unique, lacking the hard central shaft found in regular feathers, which gives them a soft, fluffy appearance. Their colors can vary widely, including white, black, blue, and partridge.
Special Characteristics
The defining characteristic of the Silkied Chabo is its feather quality. Unlike standard poultry, these birds have a gentle, silky feel to their plumage due to the absence of a hard feather shaft. This results in a strikingly soft appearance, making them a popular choice for pet owners, exhibition, and hobbyists.
What to Know About Raising
Raising Silkied Chabo requires attention to their unique needs. Due to their small size and softer feathers, they are prone to cold weather. Providing a warm, sheltered coop is crucial. They thrive on a balanced diet of high-quality poultry feed, supplemented with grains and vegetables. Regular health checks are advised, as they can be susceptible to common poultry ailments.
Country of origin: Japan
Recognised varieties for this breed
- Silkie Chabo white
- Silkie Chabo blue
- Silkie Chabo fawn
- Silkie Chabo pearl grey
- Silkie Chabo black
- Silkie Chabo cuckoo
- Silkie Chabo pearl grey cuckoo
- Silkie Chabo silver salmon
- Silkie Chabo golden salmon
- Silkie Chabo golden white salmon
- Silkie Chabo blue golden salmon
- Silkie Chabo froment
- Silkie Chabo froment argenté
- Silkie Chabo froment bleu
- Silkie Chabo froment doré clair
- Silkie Chabo blue mottled with white
- Silkie Chabo pearl grey mottled with white
- Silkie Chabo porcelaine blanc doré
- Silkie Chabo chocolat caillouté blanc
- Silkie Chabo noir caillouté blanc
- Silkie Chabo red mottled with white
- Silkie Chabo white with black tail
- Silkie Chabo white with blue tail
- Silkie Chabo fawn with black tail
- Silkie Chabo fawn with blue tail
- Silkie Chabo black with golden hackle
- Silkie Chabo black with golden hackle and laced breast
- Silkie Chabo black with silver hackle
- Silkie Chabo black with silver hackle and laced breast
- Silkie Chabo blue with silver hackle and laced breast
- Silkie Chabo blue with golden hackle and laced breast
- Silkie Chabo silver partridge mottled
- Silkie Chabo golden partridge mottled
- Silkie Chabo golden porcelain
- Silkie Chabo blue-golden porcelain
- Silkie Chabo porcelaine blanc rouge