Japanese hens or Japanese silky hens are characterized by their spectacular appearance. However, this is not the only remarkable feature, as they have many stories to tell, since it is a fairly old breed of chicken. These are hens with a marked maternal instinct, who take care of their chicks and defend them tooth and nail, which is why they are highly appreciated in the poultry world. But that's just the tip of the iceberg, are you staying to find out the rest about Japanese chickens?
On our site we share all the characteristics of the Japanese chicken so you can get to know it and discover its history, keep reading!
Origin of the Japanese hen or Japanese silky hen
The Japanese fowl goes by a wide variety of names: Mozambique fowl or Guinea fowl because of the color of its skin; black silk hen for the softness of its plumage to the touch; or silky hen from Japan or silkie hen for the same reason. What is certain is that this hen comes from Japan Despite this, in some places it is also known as Chinese silky hen or Chinese hen.
Despite the fact that its existence was not known before the 12th century, something that was recorded in the documents of the well-known Marco Polo, it is suspected that the breed is even older, its phylogenetic origin not being known with certainty. These chickens began to be exported to the European continent around the 18th century, where they were initially considered as a new bird, not as a hen.
In Asia, they were considered animals of medicinal application, attributing healing and therapeutic properties to their meat, feathers and eggs. In order to obtain these remedies, the hen had to be slaughtered with great care and following a specific protocol. Today, it is considered more like a domestic hen, except on some farms where it fulfills functions traditionally carried out by broody hens, since they are not good layers, but they are great at incubating and caring for chicks.
Physical Characteristics of the Japanese Silky Hen
A Japanese hen is a gallinaceous of a medium size, with a weight ranging from 800 grams to a kilo in hens and from 1 to 1, 3 kilograms in the roosters. Its most distinctive feature, apart from its plumage, is that has 5 fingers, when 3 or 4 are common in these birds. The head is coastal and rounded., with an equally short beak and small, dark eyes, presenting a tuft of feathers that slope backwards, reaching its blue ears
Despite the above, within the characteristics of the Japanese hen, without a doubt, the most characteristic and valued feature is its exuberant plumageIt is very abundant and dense, made up of feathers without ribs. It looks like down, especially on the rachis and beards. It is extremely silky and there are 5 varieties distinguished by the color of the feathers: white, blue, silver-grey, black and wild. The most iconic is white, which contrasts with the blue-black color of his skin.
Behavior and character of the Japanese hen
Due to the affectionate and attached character that Japanese chickens have, they have become, over the years, one of the most most popular domestic chickens. This breed is highly appreciated as a pet, something that is not surprising to those who have been able to interact with them.
They are famous for their strong maternal instinct, because, although they are not very good as laying hens, they are excellent incubators. But they not only stand out incubating the eggs, but also in the care of the chicks, both when they are newborns and throughout their maturational development. Even roosters are good parents, making sure the chicks are well fed, encouraging them to eat and teaching them to forage.
If you have found an abandoned or injured chick and have decided to adopt it to ensure its survival, the first thing you should do is go to the vet to treat it. Then, don't hesitate to consult our article on What do chicks eat.
Reproduction of the Japanese hen or Japan silky hen
It is estimated that a Japanese hen lays, on average, about 50-60 eggs a yearCompared to other breeds of chickens, this amount is quite low, something curious in these animals. These eggs weigh between 35 and 45 grams, have a cream-colored shell, and after an incubation of approximately 21 days, the chicks will hatch. At that time, just when they have just hatched, the chicks do not look good, as they are quite fragile and the down is sticky and sticky to their little bodies. But as they mature, they take on the adorable appearance of fluffy chicks
The females are so good at incubating that they are often entrusted with the incubation of very fragile eggs, such as pheasant eggs, as the success rates are really high, which, given the complexity of the task, it is highly commendable.
It is important to remember that we should not adopt chickens to reproduce and exploit them, they are sentient beings who deserve to enjoy a dignified life. Its best home is its natural habitat, but if you decide to adopt a Japanese hen because you have rescued it from the industry, found it abandoned or injured, keep in mind that it deserves to be loved and respected.
Japanese hen care
If we want to have a Japanese hen as a pet, we must take into account a series of considerations regarding its care and needs. One of them is to have a spacious ground for her, as well as a place to shelter, that receives sunlight and is well ventilated. It is very important to have a piece of land so that the hen can move freely, sunbathe, peck, take dirt baths and, ultimately, enjoy the outdoors. A hen without access to the outside will not be entirely happy. Of course, we should never confine a Japanese chicken, or any other, in a cage.
For a Japanese hen to be in the best condition, it is important that you provide high-quality feed, keeping an eye on the compositions of your food. In addition, you have to make sure that their drinker and corral or fence are clean and that there is always fresh water available. Find out what chickens eat in this other article.
It is also essential to know how to identify when they are he althy and when worrying symptoms appear that may make you suspect that your hen is sick. To do this, you have to know how to distinguish when its beak, feathers, eyes and mucous membranes look he althy, being clean and with a good color, and when you should be alarmed and go to the vet, as is the case of the appearance of mucous or strange secretions. In this sense, periodic veterinary check-ups are recommended.
For more details, don't miss this article on How to take care of chickens.
