Have you ever seen a Satin Chicken? If you know Silkies, you’re halfway there! Satin Chickens are like Silkies’ stylish cousins, rocking smooth, soft feathers instead of the fluffy, fur-like ones.
These beautiful bantam chickens steal hearts with their puffy crests, dark skin, and five toes. I first saw satin on Facebook with my friends, and her sweetness won me over instantly.
Let’s dive into why these creatures are perfect for your farm or backyard!
What is a Satin Chicken?
Satin birds are initially silkie crosses (usually bantam Cochin/Pekin) and then bred back to the silkie standard minus the feather type. Most long-time breeders hope to have their breed recognized one day.
Satin Silkie Chicken, formerly known as Sizzles, is a bird that gains a wide range of colors (Black, Blue, and Paint) from a Bantam Cochin but still has a crest of feathers and a beard like a Silkie.
The Satin Silkie boasts soft feathers alongside pom-pom-like puffs, resulting in a gorgeous, distinctive plumage. Their fuzzy-looking, smooth feathers and feathering texture make them more beautiful than most chickens.
Consider these chickens for your backyard; they will be a great choice, and you won’t be disappointed. Now, if you already have a Satin Chicken or are considering having one, this comprehensive guide is important.
In this guide, you will learn about their Origin, Characteristics, Physical Appearance, how to care for them, and more:
It is essential to understand that Satin Chicken and Silkie Chicken are distinct chicken varieties. Satin Chicken resembles a Silkie but is not a Silkie. In the below section, we discussed Satin vs Silkie chicken or Satin Silkie vs Silkie:
Difference Between Silkie Chicken and Satin Chicken
Satin and Silkie chickens are not the same; they are distinct varieties. Satin silkie chickens are not in the splash silkie variety; they are not recognized as silkies.
However, they are nearly the same in temperament, meat, and some colors. However, in terms of feathers, these chickens are completely different from one another.
This cross resulted in beautiful, smooth, and soft feathering, along with puffy crests. Satin Chicken lives up to their name, as they are the softest chicken I have ever felt. Satins come in various colors and can be smooth, frilled, or showgirl.
Where Did Satins Come From?
Satin Chickens started as a project breed, born from a cross between Silkies and bantam Cochins. Breeders wanted the Silkie look think crests, beards, and blue ears but with smooth feathers.
Over many generations, they were selectively bred to match the Silkie standard of perfection (SOP), while retaining those feathered, non-fluffy plumes.
Though not yet recognized by the American Poultry Association, Satins are gaining fans fast. My friend, a local breeder, told me it’s a labor of love to perfect these birds!
What Makes Satins Special?
Satin Chickens are cute and unique. Unlike Silkies, whose feathers lack barbicels (tiny hooks), Satins have regular, smooth feathers that feel like the softest silk.
They come in a variety of colours: black, white, paint, mottled, grey, and even buttercream. Some have the frizzle gene, making their feathers curl outward for a funky look.
Their dark skin, blue ears, and five toes clearly indicate Silkie heritage, while puffy crests and beards add to their charm. One of my friends petted a Satin pullet, and her feathers were pure goodness!
|
Trait |
Satin Chicken |
Silkie Chicken |
|---|---|---|
|
Feathers |
Smooth, soft |
Fluffy, fur-like |
|
Size |
Bantam (small) |
Bantam (small) |
|
Skin |
Dark |
Dark |
|
Toes |
Five |
Five |
|
Colors |
Black, white, paint, etc. |
Black, white, paint, etc. |
Personality That Wins Hearts
Satins are the sweetest chickens you’ll meet. Their docile personalities make them lap pets for younger children and adults alike. They’re patient, smart, and curious, always chasing treats like mealworms.
They will follow you around, clucking as if chatting! These communicative birds are entertaining, making them ideal pets or for a farm setting. Hens are super broody, sitting on clutches of fertile eggs to hatch chicks. Their mother hen instincts are top-notch, raising babies with loyal care.
Satin Chicken Breeding and Genetics
Breeding Satins is like a science project! They’re a cross of Silkies and Cochins, with the smooth feather gene being dominant over the Silkie gene. The frizzled gene can create frizzle Satins, and some even have naked neck traits, called showgirl Satins.
Breeders focus on traits like crests, five toes, and dark skin, ensuring quality offspring over generations. Rose Comb or Single Comb varieties might exist, though not standardized. NPIP certification ensures healthy birds for selling or shipping (NPIP Info).
|
Genetic Trait |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Smooth Feather Gene |
Dominant, gives smooth feathers |
|
Silkie Gene |
Recessive, causes fluffy feathers |
|
Frizzled Gene |
Creates curly, frizzy feathers |
|
Dark Skin |
Signature Silkie and Satin trait |
The main difference between Silkie and satin is the number of recessive genes for the Silkie feathering trait.
Silkie chickens have two recessive genes for the silkie feathering trait, while Satin chickens sometimes have one gene and sometimes no genes for this trait.
This means a satin-feathered breeding group will produce chicks with 4 different feather types when bred together. The genes are carefully selected to achieve the desired curling, fluffiness, and other characteristics.
It is underway and could potentially become a separate breed one day. These chickens are also on our top cute chickens list to keep as pets.
Caring for Your Satins
Caring for Satins is straightforward but needs attention. Their smaller size means they’re vulnerable to predators, so a sturdy chicken coop with ramps and a roosting rod is a must. My Friend “I learned this the hard way when a hawk eyed my flock!”
For food, provide chicks with protein-rich chick feed and hens with layer feed. Supplement with vitamins to prevent vitamin deficiencies, such as wry neck. Medicated chick feed containing amprolium helps prevent coccidiosis, a common issue in poultry.
Satins love dust bathing, so provide a box for them to keep clean. Their feathers are waterproof, unlike Silkies’, so they handle rain and snow better, staying toasty in chilly climates.
Still, protect them from downpours to keep their inner layers dry. In spring, expect broody hens to sit on cream eggs. They reach maturity in about 20 weeks, ready to join your free-range or mixed-breed flock.
Conclusion
Satin Chickens are a breed of puffy, smooth-feathered creatures that bring sweetness to any flock. Whether you’re after pets, egg layers, or broody mothers, Satins deliver.
Their cold tolerance, docile personalities, and beautiful colors make them a top pick. Ready to raise these healthy birds? Check with a local breeder for availability and start your Satin adventure!
You can visit these sites to see satin prices, Alchemist Farm, Silkie chicks, and BuckaBooFarm; you can also buy from them.
That’s all for today. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments.
FAQs
Where to buy Satin Chicks?
If you’re interested in buying satins, it’s best to purchase them from a hatchery near you.
Is Satin Chicken hard to keep in a Backyard?
No, the hardiness of satin makes them thrive in any environment or backyard. They don’t want any special place to be raised.
What is the difference between Silkie and Satin?
Silkie chickens are known for their soft, fluffy feathers that look like fur, thanks to a genetic trait. Satin chickens, on the other hand, have smooth, standard feathers, created by crossing Silkies with other bantam breeds like Cochins. Both breeds share similar features, such as dark skin, five toes, and blue earlobes, but their feather texture sets them apart. Satin chickens were developed to keep the Silkie’s unique look while having smoother feathers for better weather resistance.
Can Satin Chicken fly?
No, they cannot fly due to their feather structure, which is not waterproof. Their fluff, feathers, crest, and round body are the reasons for not flying.
What is the difference between a Satin Silkie Rooster and a Satin Silkie Hen?
A Satin Silkie Rooster and a Satin Silkie Hen differ primarily in physical characteristics. Roosters typically have larger combs and wattles. Satin roosters have longer and more prominent tail feathers, while Satin hens have smaller combs, wattles, and tail feathers.
Is Satin Chicken Good for Mommas/Mothers?
Yes, they are good mommas or mothers. They are very attentive to their chicks and are famous for their momma nature.
Do Satin Chickens Lay Eggs?
Satin chickens do lay eggs. They usually start laying around 7 to 9 months old, and their eggs can be white, cream, or light brown.
Hello! I’m Ibrahim, the owner and writer of this blog. I run a chicken farm with 160 chickens, and I’ve gained a lot of knowledge about raising and caring for them. Now, I want to share my insights and experiences with you to help you in chicken keeping.
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