Silkies, Showgirl and Frizzle chickens
Silkies, Showgirl birds and Frizzles are often grouped together because of their unusual feathers. The names describe different birds. Decide which appearance you want before choosing a colour or clicking a standard Silkie option.
What is a Showgirl Silkie chicken?
A Showgirl Silkie has Silkie ancestry and a naked-neck appearance. A showgirl chicken is not a Polish chicken with a large crest, and the word Showgirl does not mean the bird has been sexed female. Ask whether the offer is a chick, hen, cockerel or pair.
When comparing a showgirl Silkie with an ordinary Silkie, check the neck feathering and the breeder’s description of the cross. Our standard Silkie listing does not currently include a Showgirl purchase option. Send us an enquiry about the bird you want rather than ordering a different colour and expecting it to be a Showgirl.
Frizzle Silkie chickens and curled feathers
Frizzle Silkie chickens are sought for their curled-feather appearance. Check feather type as well as colour. Ask the breeder about the parentage and whether the photograph shows that type of bird.
Silkie Frizzle chickens: check the bird behind the name
Silkie Frizzle chicken descriptions can vary between breeders. Check the parentage, feather type, age and sex before buying. Our Black, White, Buff and Splash selector describes ordinary Silkie Bantams; it does not add a Frizzle cross. Contact us if you are looking for a cross not shown there.
Polish, Silkies and the “pom pom chicken” name
Pom pom chicken is an informal description of a fluffy crest, rather than a breed name. Polish birds and Silkies have different feathering, and a cross should be described as a cross. Compare the Polish chicken options with the Silkie options instead of treating the names as interchangeable.
Before you bring new birds home
Prepare housing for the bird’s size and age, have clean water and feed ready, and check how it will join your existing flock. Colour photographs are useful, but they do not replace information about the actual bird. Use the Silkie care guide for everyday preparation and compare other chicken breeds if you are still choosing.
Further reading: Omlet’s explanation of Showgirl and Frizzle Silkie varieties and the Poultry Club’s Frizzle profile.
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