What is a Satin Chicken? | Complete Guide

For those of you who are not familiar with Satin Silkie Chicken at all, you are in the right coop. 

 

Satins will add delightful shine to your backyard with their unique appearance and friendly Temperament.

 

 

What is a Satin Chicken?

Satins birds are originally a silkie cross (usually bantam Cochin/Pekin) and then bred back to the silkie standard minus the feather type. Most long-time breeders hope to make it a recognized breed one day.

 

Satin Silkie Chicken are formerly known as Sizzles. ​These birds gain a wide range of colors (Black, Blue, Paint) from a Bantam Cochin but still have a crest of feathers and a beard like a silkie.

 

The Satin Silkie flaunts soft feathers alongside pom pom-like puffs, creating a visually gorgeous and distinctive plumage. Their fuzzy-looking, smooth feathers and their feathering texture make them more beautiful than most other chickens.

 

Consider these chickens for your backyard will be a great choice, and you will not be upset about this. Now if you already have a Satin Chicken or are thinking about having one, this comprehensive guide is important for you.

 

In this guide, you will learn about their Origin, Characteristics, Physical Appearance, How to Care for them, and more:

 

satin chicken

It’s important to know that Satin Chicken and Silkie Chicken are two different chicken varieties. Satin Chicken looks like 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 Chicken and Silkie Chicken are not the same, they are different chicken varieties. Satin silkie chickens are not in the variety of silkies, they are not recognized as silkies.

 

However they both are nearly the same in temperaments, meat, and some colors. But in feathers, these chickens are completely different from each other.

 

This cross resulted in beautiful smooth, soft feathering and puffy crests. Satin Chicken lives up to their name, as they are the softest chickens I have ever felt. Satins comes in various colors and can be smooth or fried as well as showgirl.

 

satin chicken

 


Origin of Satin Chicken

There is a misconception that Satin Chickens are the new breed of poultry, this is not true. For the very first time, they originated in China. Some experts even described these breeds as chickens with cat-like hairs, which is somewhat true because of their fuzzy looks.

 

Silkie Chicken plays a vital role in the Satin Chicken generation, and Satin Chicken is underway to potentially recognize them as a separate breed.

 

They are originally classified as Bantam Cochin and Silkies breeds. They are chosen carefully and they are bred into a separate type of chicken.

 


Physical Qualities of Satin Chicken

They are medium-size birds. The fuzzy appearance and their crest give them a flower-like effect in backyards or flocks. 

 

Smooth satin Silkie chicken have no barbicels, and because of no barbicels they result in smooth, silk-like feathers and they are total, including their legs covered by the soft, silk-like feathers.

 

Their eyes are bright and appear very dark in color and appearance. They have a packed body with a wide, lobular breast and a black to dark blue stout beak which is shorter and wider. 

 

The tail of these gorgeous cuties has enough shredding at the end with a shorter and wider back. The deep mulberry coloring of their comb and wattle is incredible.

 

The male satin chicken weight is 1 kilogram while the female satin chicken weight is 900 grams. Satin Silkies are available in different blushes, including black, blue, white, partridge, etc.

 


The Temperament of Satin Chicken:

Smooth satin Silkie chicken are exceptionally friendly and docile by nature also they are quite chicken which is perfect for individuals or families.

 

They are extremely playful birds, they are not aggressive with you even with children. The incredible social behavior of these birds around humans is calm and friendly, they don’t make you angry even if they are in your lap.

 


Satin Chicken Breed

Statin Chicken are similar to Silkie Chicken in every aspect, but they are different in feather type. They are different in genetics prospects, the main difference 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 they have no genes for this trait.

 

This means a Satin feathered breeding group will produce chicks with 4 different feather types when bred together. For their curling, fluffiness, and desired characteristics the genes are carefully selected to get the desired outcome.

 

The Satin Chicken breed is not recognized as an official breed, and not recognized as in silkie varieties. They are underway potentially to become a separate breed one day. This chickens also in out top cute chickens list to keep as a pets.

 


How to Care for Satin Chicken

Now how to care for these beautiful birds and keep them happy and strong. Here are some important things about satin chicken to keep an eye on:

 

  • Housing

Housing management is necessary for these types of chicken. Keeping them in a good house or coop is essential. Ensure that they have soft nesting boxes in their coop, also keep a rod or resting place in their coop.

 

Provide a well-ventilated coop that prevents respiratory problems. Keep in mind that their coop is also well-created and predator-proof that prevents them from predators.

 

Clean their coop regularly to get rid of mites and microorganisms. Keep their coop dry all the time because the feathers of satin chicken are not waterproof which will create health problems in these birds.

 

You will think that the feathers of these chickens will make them warm in winter, but this is not nearly true, because they have upright and curly feathers which do not help them in warming.

 

  • Health Issues

Regularly check them for signs of illness like diarrhea, nasal discharge, edema in the comb and wattles, coughing and sneezing, etc, and show them to a veterinarian. Keep their surroundings and coop clean to prevent bacterial infections and other dust problems.

 

  • Diet Plan 

Diet plays an important role in the longevity and productivity of these types of chicken. Providing a well-nutrient or well-formulated feed containing all the essential nutrients they need for them is essential to live a happy and strong life.

 

High protein feed is recommended for satin chicks a crumble or mash diet with a 21% crude protein level is ideal; it helps in the development of satin silkie chicks.

 

However when they reach puberty the need for protein is no longer essential, for adult satin chicken crude protein level of 18% is use. Adding minerals (calcium and phosphorus supplements) is a must for laying eggs and other needs.

 

Also, add fresh fruits like watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries and vegetables like squash, pumpkins and cucumbers to their diet, and have a constant supply of neat and clean water. Avoid toxic foods like Avocado, Chocolate, Onions and Garlic, Rhubarb Leaves etc.

 


Conclusion

Satin Chicken is well known for their fuzzy-looking, smooth feathers, and their feathering texture. These chickens are not recognize as separate breeds, but I hope one day they will be recognized as a separate breed like other chickens.

 

They are social, friendly, and docile which makes them perfect for any environment. They are also perfect for beginners. Adding them to your backyard will be a great choice.

 

You can see site pages to see their prices, alchemistfarm, silkiechicks and buckaboofarm, you can also buy from them.

 

That’s all for today, now if you have any questions feel free to ask in comments.

 


FAQs

Where to buy Satin Chicks?

If you’re interested in buying satins, it’s best to purchase them from a hatchery that is near to you.

 

Are 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 raise.

 

What is the difference between Silkie and Satin?

While silkie chicken and satin chicken appear the same, however, they are not from the same varieties. Silkie chickens are the original breed while satin chickens are not recognise as breeds.

 

Can Satin Chicken fly?

No, they cannot fly due to their feather structure and their feathers are 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?

Satin Silkie Rooster vs Hen is just different in physical characteristics. Roosters typically have larger combs and wattles. As well as satin rooster has longer and more prominent tail feathers, while Satin Hen have smaller combs, wattles, and tail

 

Is Satin Chicken Good for Mommas/Mothers?

Yes, they are good mommas or mothers. They are very attentive to their chicks and they are famous for their momma nature.

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Muhammad Ibrahim is the founder of BackyardClucks and a passionate poultry expert with over four years of experience in raising chickens. When he's not tending to his flock, he shares his knowledge by writing insightful and informative articles to help others in their chicken-keeping journey.

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