Lavender Silkie chickens are a wonderful variety of the much-loved Silkies known for their pastel-purple plumage that gives them a perfect, unique look. Their soft fluffy feathers make them stand out at poultry shows where they have been gracing the scene since the early 2000s. Despite not yet being officially recognized by the American Poultry Association these gorgeous chickens are highly sought after for their sweet personalities and undeniable beauty. However, their genetically weak feathers can pose a problem making careful breeding and attention to their health essential for any breeders or beginners looking to keep them.
As a backyard enthusiast, I was intrigued by this rare breed and couldn’t wait to find a healthy chick to add to my flock. Thanks to resources like Chickenpedia, I learned how to recognize a happy chick at the hatchery ensuring I picked one with strong lineage and proper care. While keeping Lavender Silkies may seem complicated they are suitable for beginners when bred responsibly. Their lusted-after plumage and delightful charm make every effort worthwhile, whether you’re adding them for their looks or their loads of yummy eggs.
What are Lavender Silkie Chickens?
Lavender Silkie chickens are truly one of a kind with their lovely, soft, evenly toned lilac color that covers their fluffy feathers. Their appearance is enhanced by a lavish sheen and a purple tint that gives them a unique cluck look. These wacky, wonderfully feathery-legged birds stand out with their five toes on each foot, black skin, beaks and bones paired with striking turquoise earlobes that pop against their rare plumage.
Known for their friendly temperament and bantam build, they are small yet productive offering a steady supply of eggs. Whether bearded or non-bearded they remain a recognized gem in the poultry world meeting APA standards with their true petite charm. Hens typically weigh 3 lbs and stand around 8-10 inches tall while roosters are slightly larger, weighing 4 lbs and reaching up to 11 inches tall.
Are Lavender Silkie Chickens & Self-Blue Silkies Different?
Lavender Silkie chickens and self-blue Silkies are essentially the same breed. The recessive lav gene is responsible for the pale, slatey lavender feathering seen in both types. This gene is also known as self-blue, which makes them appear almost identical in their unique color. Despite the different names they share the same physical traits and beauty.
Lavender Silkie Chickens vs Andalusian Silkie Chickens
When it comes to Lavender Silkie chickens and Andalucian Silkie chickens, the main difference lies in the gene responsible for their feathering. The lavender or self-blue gene is responsible for the beautiful soft, pale feathers of the Lavender Silkie and this gene can sometimes have health implications, affecting the structure of the feathers.
On the other hand, the Andalucian blue gene doesn’t impact the quality or health of the feathers in the same way. The breeding process for both involves different genes but the impact on feather structure and quality is distinct with the lavender variety being more sensitive in terms of feather health.
Why Are Lavender Silkie Chickens Rare?
Lavender Silkie chickens are rare because breeding these healthy chicks is one of the hardest tasks. The lavender color comes from a recessive gene that produces a soft, purple hue in their feathers. Both the Momma Hen and Papa Roo need to carry this gene for their chick to have the lav color.
However, the gene also dilutes the pigmentation of black feathers, which can cause weak feather development. To keep their lilac feathers looking lovely and functioning properly breeders need to continually breed and dilute the gene. This complex process makes these chickens a rare find.
BREEDING LAVENDER SILKIE CHICKENS
The Lavender Gene in Chickens
The lavender gene in chickens is a fascinating genetic trait that causes the black color to be diluted, resulting in a light lilac or slaty blue tone on the feathers. This gene was first discovered in the Porcelain variety of Belgian Bearded d’Uccles chickens back in 1972. The lavender gene has an impact on both red and brown pigments which causes the dilution of these colors and results in a beautiful even shade across the surface of the bird’s body.
Breeders have spent decades perfecting the technique to master the lavender look especially in Silkie chickens, and the self-blue phenotype is now a typical characteristic. It’s no surprise that this gene has been key in creating a distinct, elegant color that stands out from other chicken varieties.
What is The Shredder Gene in Lavender Chickens?
Lavender Silkie chickens carry a lusted-after gene that gives them their unique color but comes at a significant cost. This genetic mutation often referred to as the shredder gene, affects feather development making their feathers appear abnormal almost as if they’ve been through a paper shredder or scooped out of a soggy puddle.
These tail feathers not only look bad but also fail to provide essential insulation or proper function for the chicken. As a result birds affected by this mutation are often weaker and more prone to health issues, which makes managing their gene pool a challenge for breeders.
Do Lavender Silkie Chickens Breed True?
Lavender Silkies are a delight for anyone raising chickens, as their self-blue color ensures they always breed true. If you have a pair of Lavender Silkies, you can confidently eggs-pect adorable little peeps with the same stunning lavender hue. These tiny chicks are as cute as can be making them a favorite among breeders and backyard chicken keepers alike.
Lavender Splash Silkies
Lavender Splash Silkies are a stunning mix of the Blue-Black-Splash Silkie and the lavender Silkie chicken. This unique combination comes from the Andalucian blue gene and the self-blue gene. When bred together these chickens inherit the lav/lav and Bl/Bl traits producing a Self Blue Splash phenotype.
The result is an odd, yet beautiful, splotchy color with a nice shade of light blue as the background color. You may also notice dark blue feathers scattered at irregular intervals on their coat. Self Blue Splash females tend to be prettier and less irregular compared to their Andalusian Splash counterparts with their almost speckled appearance.
KEEPING LAVENDER SILKIE CHICKENS
Do Lavender Silkie Chickens Lay purple Eggs?
Many people wonder if Lavender Silkie chickens lay purple eggs because of their beautiful color. However, these lovely ladies actually lay cream-colored eggs sometimes with a speckled appearance. While they don’t produce lavender eggs their soft and gentle nature makes up for it! Hens from this breed are just as charming offering eggs with a unique, light tone.
Lavender Silkie Chicken Eggs
The Lavender Silkie hens are known for their cold-hardy nature, making them great for the colder months. While their egg production is considered a bit below average, they still lay 2-3 small eggs a week, totaling around 100 eggs a year.
Despite not being the highest producers their consistent laying throughout the year is something I’ve always appreciated. These hardy birds manage to maintain steady egg production even when the temperatures dip proving just how resilient they are.
Which Chicken Breeds Lay Purple Eggs?
If you’re hoping for purple eggs, you might want to ditch the idea that any lavender-colored chicken breed will lay them. Not every chicken lays these rare-colored eggs and in fact, very few do. While the English Croad Langshan has been said to lay purple eggs it’s honestly a bit of a stretch to claim that. Their eggs may have a lilac tint to the shells but it’s more of a natural bloom that washes off over time leaving behind the usual color.
Where To Buy Lavender Silkies?
If you’re wondering where to find these beautiful lavender-colored lovelies, my firm advice would be to directly go to a reputable breeder or hatchery. It’s important to know the full bloodline of your Silkie chicks to ensure their future health.
While it might be tempting to find them elsewhere not knowing their background could leave you unsure of their health and future. If you are lucky enough to find some clucky chicks looking for a home it’s always best to be cautious and knowledgeable about their bloodline to avoid any surprises later on.
Caring For Lavender Silkie Chickens
Lavender Silkie chickens are a great breed for those with a backyard looking for a brilliant addition to their flock. They are especially suitable for beginners because they are generally friendly easy to care for, and don’t require much space due to their diddy size. However, if you’re an inexperienced keeper it’s important to remember that these chickens can be a bit fragile, especially when considering their weaker feathers and delicate bloodlines.
While they are not particularly noisy or flighty, they DESPISE damp conditions. Make sure to provide a dry, comfortable environment for your healthy hens as the effects of moisture can negatively impact their well-being. Keeping them in a clean, safe and spacious area will ensure they remain beautiful and healthy.
Lavender Silkie Chicken Name Ideas
Here are some brandable name ideas for your Lavender Silkie Chicken:
- Violet Pearl
- Plum Orchids
- Iris Periwinkle
- Mauve Rain
- Lyla Orchard
- Ronny Plum
- Parma Zise
- Periwinkle Iris
- Violet Orchard
- Zise Rain
These names combine the elegance and charm of your Lavender Silkie chickens with a touch of uniqueness.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Lavender Silkie Chickens
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Beautiful Appearance: Lavender-colored feathers make them visually appealing. | Fragile Health: They are more delicate than other breeds and may need extra care. |
| Friendly and Docile: Gentle and easy to handle, ideal for families and beginners. | Susceptible to Damp Conditions: They require dry, clean environments and dislike dampness. |
| Low Maintenance: Minimal space and care requirements perfect for small backyards. | Slow Growth: Lavender Silkies grow slower than other breeds, which may be inconvenient. |
| Great for Egg Laying: They provide eggs though not in large quantities. | Prone to Feather Damage: Their soft feathers can get damaged easily and need extra care. |
| Calm Temperament: They are not flighty and stay calm even in busy environments. | Not the Best for Egg Production: They are not prolific layers compared to other breeds. |
FAQs
1. What makes Lavender Silkie chickens unique?
Lavender Silkie chickens are known for their beautiful lavender-colored feathers and gentle temperament. They are a popular choice for backyard flocks due to their calm nature.
2. Are Lavender Silkie chickens good for beginners?
Yes, they are friendly, easy to care for, and require minimal space making them ideal for beginner chicken keepers. However, they are more fragile compared to other breeds.
3. Do Lavender Silkie chickens lay eggs?
Yes, they lay eggs, but not in large quantities. The eggs are usually small and brown in color.
4. How much space do Lavender Silkie chickens need?
Lavender Silkie chickens don’t require much space as they are a small diddy breed. A cozy coop with room to roam will suffice.
5. Can Lavender Silkie chickens tolerate cold weather?
They are not very tolerant of cold weather due to their fluffy feathers. It’s important to keep them in a warm and dry environment during colder months.
Conclusion
Lavender Silkie chickens are a charming and unique addition to any backyard flock. With their beautiful lavender-colored feathers and friendly calm personalities, they are perfect for both novice and experienced chicken keepers. These chickens not only make great pets but also add a touch of beauty to your garden or coop. However, it’s important to keep in mind their delicate nature as they can be more fragile than other chicken breeds and require a little extra care, especially in damp or cold conditions.
If you’re looking for a gentle, low-maintenance bird that’s sure to impress Lavender Silkies are an excellent choice. Their small size peaceful demeanor, and stunning appearance make them a favorite among chicken enthusiasts. Just ensure they are kept in a safe, dry space and receive regular care, and they will thrive in your flock for years to come. Whether you’re after a new pet or a unique egg layer, Lavender Silkie chickens are a wonderful addition to any home.
