Hello All !!! Here is my oldest daughter Annie captured with a huge fluffy silkie chicken at my cousin Kelly's farm. The sun was setting was a little dark but I loved the back light on her hair & how she so curiously investigated this this funny chicken who gazed right back at her. These funny birds look like little, fluffy chicken-llamas (LOL) The main characteristic that makes the Silkie Bantam unique is the texture of its plumage. Their feathers have a silky, almost fur-like texture. Silkie's also have abundant plumage on their legs and an impressive crest on their heads. Another oddity associated with the Silkie Bantam is the fact that their feet have five toes instead of four. Silkie's can either have beards or not, and they are the only known chicken with black skin. The Silkie is believed to have come from China thousands of years ago. Ancient writers speak of a chicken with hair instead of feathers, and many experts believe they are referring to the Silkie. It is thought that Marco Polo first exported the Silkie's from China sometime during the 13th century. The Silkie Bantams that are popular today have been modified through the centuries, with various other breeds introduced to produce such characteristics as the feathered legs. They are unique mothers and will care for anything that falls in their wake, from baby ducks etc. They come in a variety of colors and types and generally all look adorable ! The breed has several other unusual qualities, such as black flesh and bones, blue earlobes, and five toes on each foot (most chickens only have four). They are often exhibited in poultry shows, and come in several colors. In addition to their distinctive physical characteristics, Silkies are well known for their calm, friendly temperament. Among the most docile of poultry, Silkies are considered an ideal pet. I love this picture of Annie- shows her always curious and investigative poky puppy personality that is so much like mine ( when people call they always get our voices mixed up and cannot tell us apart)... Annie made me the most beautiful homemade card with a poem she wrote this morn for my 43rd birthday ( augh omg ah am OLD!!! _ ) that touched me so deeply -she is all heart !!! I haven't put that many pics up of her in my gallery so am putting this one up today !!! thanks for your time and comments !!!! Love to you all !!! ((( BIG HUGS ))) Kimmers ! ♥ :O)