Chickens are native to the tropical jungles of Southeast Asia, but over the last approximately 8,000 years, chickens have been domesticated and spread around the globe to become one of the most valued domesticated animals.
The Silkie, also known as Silky or Chinese silk chicken, is a breed of domestic chicken with an atypically fluffy plumage. The feathers of these fluff-balls feel like silk. Their heads are crested, looking somewhat like a pom-pom.
The feathers of Silkies lack barbicels [the hooks that hold the feathers together], hence the fluffy appearance. The lack of barbicels is the reason why Silkie chicken cannot fly.
Today’s image shows a Silkie hen from above.