Splash Silkie Chickens | The Best Ever Guide

Look at these adorable chickens! How can you ignore the beauty of these?

It’s hard that we ignore their fluffy plumage, silky feathers, friendly temperament, and adorable appearance that attracts you and me, and that’s why it’s ignorable. This is Splash Silkie Chicken.

These chickens have the power to attract you with their adorable look, fluffy plumage, and friendly temperament. That’s why it is a well-known chicken and has a craze on Instagram. 

So, if you already have or are thinking about having one of these miniature chickens, this guide will clear up any questions you have and give you a Roadmap to breed, raise, and care for them.

But first, let’s answer the most asked simple question.

What is a Splash Silkie?

A variety of Silkie chickens (all-time favorite) and the beautiful breeds of chickens. The appearance of Splash Silkie chickens is characterized by a white or light gray base with random black and blue splashes or spots on a white background, similar to the Mosaic chickens.

Splash Silkie is a popular bantam chicken that will add 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ to your flock due to its uniqueness.

Another point, while “Splash” is a specific color pattern, there can be slight variations in its appearance:

Light Splash: Mostly white with just a few scattered blue or black spots.

Heavy Splash: More densely spotted, sometimes appearing more blue than white.

Blue-Gene Influence: Splash Silkies often result from breeding blue-colored Silkies, so their color intensity can vary depending on their genetic makeup.

Additionally, Silkie roosters are naturally calm; they are not as aggressive as other roosters. Your kids and other chickens are safe from these roosters.

Now, let’s clear up a little confusion about the difference between Splash Silkies and Paint Silkies:

Splash Silkies have a blended, mottled look due to genetic dilution, while paint Silkies feature bold, contrasting patches of color and white, likely from a different genetic source.

Splash is more standardized, whereas paint silkies is a descriptive term used by enthusiasts for striking patterns.

Paints carry one dominant white gene, while A Splash Silkie essentially carries one copy of the “blue” gene.

Characteristics of Splash Silkie Chickens

Believe me, these miniature chickens with their distinct coloring are a unique addition to your flock; they are famous and have a craze on social media due to their unique characteristics. 

Some of their unique characteristics are written below, which are briefly discussed:

• Mesmerizing Blue Plumage:

Splash silkie chickens are recognized for their distinctive plumage, characterized by splashes, which is a hallmark of these birds. The bluish color is due to the presence of the blue gene.

Their hair-like plumage creates a seeable sight that is truly amazing and decorates your flock like walking flowers.

• Soft and Silky Feathers:

These Chickens are also well known for their soft and silky feathers. The special texture gives these chickens an aesthetic look and makes them a joy to touch.

As you run your fingers over their feathers, you will be charmed by the luxurious and amazing feel that sets these birds apart.

• Friendly Temperament:

Splash Silkies are the beauty of our eyes and win our hearts with their friendly nature. They are “as pretty as a picture” (idiom). 

These are also very quiet chickens with a calm egg song.

If you are a poultry keeper or new to keeping these chickens, you will appreciate their pleasant and friendly nature.

• Not Required Ample Space:

If you live in urban areas or have limited space and a desire to keep or raise a chicken, this is the best option because a small area or coop does not affect them.

• Perfect Brooders:

Splash Silkie Chicken is a nurturing bird. The strong maternal instincts of these chickens make them exceptional brooders. 

They will expand your flock, are excellent caregivers to their chicks, and ensure the next generation’s well-being.

• Low-Maintenance:

Surprisingly, these birds are also low-maintenance. Their low maintenance and easygoing nature make them a suitable option for beginners and those who lack the time for extensive care.

Also, these hens are adaptable to different climates. Whether you live in a chilly northern region or a warm southern region, these birds will grow in various types of environments.

• Butterflies of the Backyard:

These Chickens do not just look aesthetic/appealing, they are also the beauty of your Flock. These social butterflies create a harmonious environment in the coop. 

Additionally, these birds are renowned for their amiable interactions with humans and fellow chickens. You can keep these chickens as pets, like satins and other pet chickens.

This means this is an excellent fit for backyard chicken keepers who want ornamental chicken breeds.

How to Breed Splash Silkie Chicken

These birds are perfect Mommas, and they are also ideal for beginner chicken keepers.

They are broody by nature, making hatching eggs easier at home than any other chicken, but how to breed them?

To breed, there is genetic math you need to know, so let’s dive into the genes of Silkie in chickens.

If you have a Splash Silkie and a Blue Silkie, here is the formula and the chance of Splash Silkie chicken breeding when they both love each other.

Splash Silkie x Splash Silkie: 100% Splash Silkie Chicks.

Blue Silkie x Splash Silkie: You will get a Splash Silkie with a 75% chance, or a Blue Silkie with a 25% chance.

Blue Silkie x Blue Silkie, you will get a Splash Silkie 25% chance OR a Black Silkie 25% (black feathers) chance OR Blue Silkie 50% Chance, which means you will get blue-black-splash silkies.

Here is the simple chart for breeding splash silkie chickens:

• Blue Silkie x Blue Silkie = 25% black (black feathers) OR 50% blue (blue chicks) OR 25% splash
• Blue Silkie x Splash Silkie = 25% blue OR  75% splash
• Black Chicken Silkie x Black Silkie = 100% black chicks
• Black Chicken Silkie x Splash Silkie  = 100% blue (blue chicks)
• Splash Silkie x Splash Silkie = 100% Splash baby chicks
• Black Silkie x Blue Silkie = 50% blue (blue chickens) OR  50% black (black birds)

Splash Silkie Baby Chickens

Now you can get Splash Silkie Chicks.

Here is a brief overview of their Chicks:

They are white chicks with little black or blue splashes. However, not all Splash Chicks are the same; they are distinct. 

Chicks have black skin, beaks, legs, and toes. And there are bundles of fluff all over. Chicks have more Splashes of color around their tails and wings.

Splash Silkie Eggs Production

They lay small to medium eggs. The color of the eggs is light brown or cream-colored.

Splash silkie chickens lay 2 to 3 eggs a week for eating or selling, and sometimes, they lay speckled eggs, but this is normal in silkie chickens. They are considered below normal in egg production.

On the other hand, they are cold-hardy and consistently lay eggs throughout the colder months. Lastly, the egg song is not a burden, but rather sweet, compared to other chickens.

How To Care For Splash Silkies

Splash Silkies, a gorgeous addition to any farm or backyard. Their pom-pom looks, fluffy feathers, and Chinese beauty stemming from their ancient origins captivate everyone.

They’re unlike any other poultry. As someone who’s raised these beautiful birds, I’ve learned their care needs through hands-on experience, and I’m excited to share how to keep them healthy and happy.

Housing:

Splash Silkies thrive in a secure chicken coop that’s safe from hostile predators like raccoons or foxes. Their feathers lack water resilience, so a dry, properly ventilated coop is non-negotiable.

I ensure my structure has good ventilation to prevent moisture, which can harm their fluff. Each Silkie needs 3-4 square feet of space inside the enclosure, and since they’re not flighty or skittish, low perches suit them.

Cleaning the coop regularly prevents germs and microorganisms, and drying it thoroughly after keeps it cozy. Their quiet nature and subtle egg song make them ideal for neighbors sensitive to noise, perfect for a backyard breed in limited space.

Feeding: 

A balanced feed or ready-made feed forms the core of their diet. I provide clean water at all times to support their consumption.

For treats, I offer fruits and vegetables, which they love, but I avoid toxic foods like chocolate and onions to protect their health. This nutrition plan ensures my flock stays vibrant, with shiny feathers and strong beaks, combs, and wattles.

Health:

Health is a priority, so I conduct regular observation for illness or injuries. Mites and lice can hide in their fluff, so I check for mites and treat promptly. Vaccinations and deworming, recommended by a veterinarian, are part of my disease prevention strategy.

Once, I noticed one of my Silkies acting sluggish; a quick vet visit revealed a minor issue, easily fixed with medical care. Keeping their habitat clean reduces germs, ensuring their wellness.

Grooming:

Grooming keeps Splash Silkies looking gorgeous. I trim feathers around their eyes to improve vision one of my Silkies, Mino, became much more active after a trim!

Regular checks for mites and lice keep their feathers clean. Their fluff requires maintenance to stay dry and parasite-free, preserving their pom-pom looks.

Social Needs:

Splash Silkies are amiable, sociable, and calm, making them an excellent pet. They hate loneliness, so I keep a small flock to act as friends.

Their unique personality traits shine during interaction they’ll follow me around the yard, confident and curious. This sociable nature makes them a joy to care for, especially for beginners.

Egg Production:

Known for being broody, Splash Silkies love sitting on eggs. I provide nesting boxes filled with straw, which serve as a maternity ward for laying eggs.

Their egg production is modest, but their dedication is unmatched. I keep these areas clean to prevent dirtiness, ensuring healthy eggs and hens. Their egg song, a soft cluck, is far less noisy than other breeds, keeping the environment peaceful.

Breeding:

For breeding, I create a calm environment for mating pairs and monitor the breeding cycle. Once chicks hatch, a separate space keeps them safe and warm.

This ensures healthy poultry and supports the breed’s continuation. Their specific color patterns make breeding exciting, as each chick is a unique animal.

Splash Silkie vs Paint Silkie: A Colorful Comparison

Splash Silkies are like feathered works of art. Their plumage features a light base color, often pale blue or white, with darker splashes of blue or black. These splashes appear on the tips of feathers, grouping together to form a spotted pattern that’s never the same on any two birds.

To the untrained eye, they might resemble Blue Ameraucanas or Blue Orpingtons, but their fluffy feathers and silky texture set them apart. I think their appearance is like a Dalmatian with a softer, more artistic design.

Genetically, Splash Silkies owe their look to the blue gene. They are homozygous for this recessive gene, meaning they have two copies (as per Mendel’s first law), which dilutes true black feathers into a color variation of Blue, Black, and Splash.

This genetic trait ensures they breed true, so breeding two Splash Silkies results in 100% Splash chicks. For example, at a hatchery like Meyer Hatchery, you might find BBS (Blue, Black, Splash) lines that produce these rare color outcomes.

Now, let’s talk about Paint Silkies. They reminded me of Appaloosa horses. These birds have a light color base with defined patches of black, creating a spotted Silkie look that’s more uniform than the Splash’s random streaks.

The entire feather in these patches is black, unlike the tipped feathers of Splash Silkies. To me, their bold pattern feels like a painting with clear dots and lines.

The genetic makeup of Paint Silkies is fascinating. They’re produced by breeding a dominant white Silkie to a true black Silkie, as noted by breeders like Judy Lee. The dominant white gene doesn’t fully mask the black, leading to leakage where black spots appear.

This heterozygous mix means Paint Silkies don’t breed true breeding two Paint Silkies might produce paint, black, or white chicks, as shown in a Punnett square. Unlike recessive white Silkies, which are solid white, Paint Silkies have this unique color variety.

Both Splash and Paint Silkies share the classic Silkie characteristics: dark skin, five toes, a walnut comb, turquoise earlobes, and a fluffy crest. Their silky feathers and soft texture make them the fluffiest chickens around.

However, their color patterns set them apart. Splash Silkies have a light base with dark splashes, while Paint Silkies feature a white base with black spots. The shades of coloration can vary slightly between males and females, with pullets often showing paler base colors and darker splashes.

Blue-Black-Splash Silkies: A Genetic Trio

Blue-Black-Splash Silkies, often called BBS (abbreviation for Blue-Black-Splash), owe their splash coloring to the Andalucian blue gene. This diluting gene softens the black gene, producing three phenotypes: black, blue, or splash.

A homozygous splash Silkie has bluish white plumage with random black feathers or blue splashes, creating a muddy, greyish look.

Breeding a blue hen and blue rooster (heterozygous blue) doesn’t breed true, yielding about 25% black chicks, 50% blue, and 25% splash chicks. This not breeding true makes breeding scenes tricky but exciting.

Their feather quality and health remain unaffected, so care is straightforward. I love the surprise of each egg hatching, never knowing if it’ll be a splash Silkie or a slatey-grey blue.

Lavender Splash Silkies: A Marvelous Mix

Lavender Splash Silkies are marvelous yet confusing, blending the Andalucian blue gene and self-blue gene (lav gene). The recessive self-blue gene dilutes black into a uniform lavender shade.

A Silkie that’s Homozygous Self Blue (lav/lav) and homozygous for the blue gene (Bl/Bl) is a Self Blue Splash.

Males show a splotchy color, with a light blue background color and dark blue feathers at irregular intervals. Females are prettier, almost speckled, as noted by experts like Inga Ladd and Alan Stanford, Ph.D.

The lav gene can cause health implications, like poor feather structure, so breeders must monitor health. I once had a Lavender Splash hen whose coat sparkled like a painting, but her feathers needed extra care.

Golden Splash Silkies: Golden Beauties

Golden Splash Silkies are stunning variants with white plumage splashed with golden blonde. Their color genes likely combine the Andalucian blue gene with genes for gold or buff, though the exact genotype varies. This hybrid look makes them stand out in any flock.

Its golden splashes glowed under the sun, convincing me aggressivl. Their care mirrors other Silkies, focusing on a clean coop and good nutrition.

Conclusion

Okay, we discussed Splash Silkie, a fancy chicken breed with a brief Introduction, some unique characteristics, how to breed them, a brief overview of their Chicks, a brief discussion of their Eggs, and last but not least, how to care for them.

That’s all about these unique and beautiful birds’ favorite of backyard chicken keepers.

You can purchase or view their prices on hatcheries such as Meyer Hatchery, Cackle Hatchery, and VJP Poultry. These hatcheries offer a variety of poultry breeds, including silkies.

We are always happy to help you, and you are important to us because we share the same passion for chicken enthusiasts.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

FAQs

Can Silkie chickens get wet?
Yes, these chickens can get wet, but their fluffy feathers are not waterproof, unlike those of regular chickens. It’s best to keep them dry to prevent health issues.

What is a splash Silkie chicken?
A splash Silkie is a variety of Silkie chicken characterized by its unique blue feathers, which feature a light base color, typically white or pale gray, with scattered black-blue spots. The black gene is responsible for the grayish color in splash chickens.

How do you get a splash Silkie?
You can get one by breeding two blue Silkies. The genetics of blue coloration can result in splash offspring.

How to make a splash Silkie?
To make one, breed two blue Silkies together. The splash color is a genetic outcome of breeding blue to blue.

How to breed a splash Silkie?
To breed this, you need two blue Silkie parents. When two blue Silkies are bred, about 25% of the offspring will be splashed.

What is the difference between a splash and a paint Silkie?
Splash Silkies have a blue-gray base with irregular white splashes, while paint Silkies display a solid white base with bold, distinct patches of color. Their patterns stem from different genetic expressions. Paint Silkies often have more defined markings, making them a favorite for show birds.

Are splash Silkies rare?
Yes, these are relatively less common than white or black Silkies, but they are not extremely rare. Their availability depends on local breeders and the popularity of the color in a region.

What is the rarest Silkie color?
The red Silkie is considered the rarest color, with its vibrant, deep reddish hue being highly sought after by breeders. Other rare colors include porcelain and lavender.