Wild Facts

Photo from Wikicommons

Yesterday we talked about the Falkland Steamer Duck that likes to battle it out UFC style with anything even looking at their territory.  Today we are going to the other extreme.  This Flightless Bird is called a Silkie which just happens to be a breed of chicken with silk-like plumage.  Unlike the Steamer Duck this chicken species are very calm and have a rather friendly behaviour.  In fact they are known to be one of the more docile of the chicken species.  Good thing too since I think you would just want to cuddle these little balls of fur….ummm… feathers.

It is obvious to see the chicken qualities in the Silkie but they also have quite a few differences.  Actually, the differences they have are rather bizarre but interesting.  Unlike other chickens the Silkie has a thing for blue.  Yup, they have dark blue flesh and bones, and of course blue earlobes to match their flesh colour.  It is all about accessorizing with the Silkie.  They also have five toes on each foot.  Now I know you are thinking this isn’t weird but it is since most chickens only have four toes.  I wonder what they use the fifth toe for?

Photo from Wikicommons

There are two distinct varieties of Silkies.  We have the bearded and of course non-bearded types.  The bearded Silkies must be sensitive about their blue ear lobes as they have an additional tuff of feathers under their beak which covers those blue earlobes. I think the bearded Silkies need to gain a little self-confidence and be happy with the way they look.  Both varieties of Silkies come in a range of colours including red, white, black, blue (of course) and gray.

Okay, so are you wondering why this chicken has dark blue bones and flesh?  Well, it is attributed to a fairly rare character trait for chickens in which melanism extends through the flesh and into the connective tissues.  This blue-black-gray coloured flesh doesn’t stop people from eating these little guys though.  Even though we may find it unusual in North America it is considered to be gourmet food in some Asian cuisines.  I think I will stick with the normal chicken for now.  Besides the Silkies are just to darn cuddly to eat.

Another non-flying day is in the books or at least in the archives of the internet.  I hope you are enjoying the Flightless Birds and will join me tomorrow for another unusual bird species.

Photo by Muhammad Mahdi Karim

Today’s Wild Fact post is inspired by Chinese Astrology and my birthday.  Yes, today is my birthday and since I was born in 1981 that makes me a Rooster according to Chinese Astrology.  To be honest, I don’t know much (read: anything) about Chinese Astrology but I was looking for an animal to write about today and the Rooster seemed as good as any.  So put on your party hat, grab a piece of birthday cake and enjoy today’s Fact on the Rooster.

Most of us are aware that the Rooster is simply a male chicken.  Ironically I had chicken for dinner tonight.  It isn’t too often that I have feasted on the animal that I am writing about (and thank goodness that wasn’t the case during Parasite Week). I am sure we all have visions of a proud Rooster sitting on a barn or a fence post and crowing as the sun comes up.  Realistically, some Roosters will crow at all hours of the day while others hardly crow at all.  It is largely dependent upon their breed and individual personality. Sort of how some humans talk a lot while others are the strong, silent type.  The image of the Rooster sitting on a fence post is accurate though as many will do this in an attempt to defend their territory.  Do any farmers out there have any Rooster stories they would like to share? Has anyone taught them only to crow at dawn?

The Rooster is a polygamous animal meaning they will mate with many females.  Since it is impossible for the Rooster to guard each individual nest they will often just defend the general territory that his hens are nesting in.  If a predator attempts to enter this area than make no mistake, the Rooster will attack and try to protect his ladies.

A Sussex Rooster - Photo by Andrzej Barabasz

This next paragraph pains me to talk about but let’s discuss the Capons.  This is simply a Rooster that has been castrated.  I find it interesting that the comb and wattle of the Capons cease to grow which gives the head of this poor male chicken a dwarfed look. On the other hand their hackle, saddle and tail feathers will begin to grow unusually long.  Of course the Capons are much more docile than the regular Roosters.  I assume all of these traits are a result of a decrease in hormones.

Rooster Fast Fact - Since this is a birthday blog and all, I figured I would give some insight into the Rooster’s character.  Apparently the Rooster makes excellent detectives, doctors, nurses and psychiatrists as a result of their cautious, perceptive and skeptical mind.  Oh and for the Roosters out there looking for love, you will want to find a Snake, an Ox or a Pig.  I should have used Chinese Astrology for animal ideas a long time ago.

Have a great weekend everyone!  Enjoy your cake and the rest of the party.