Those interested in a chicken breed that’s as unique-looking and unusual sounding, then look no further than the showgirl chicken. It is a famous show bird in the United States, and many chicken keepers choose to add this breed to their backyard flocks. This chicken would be a great addition to your flock! So, let’s examine its unique characteristics and discover what makes it so special.
What is a Showgirl Chicken?
You can probably guess by the name that the Showgirl chicken is a popular breed for show. They gained popularity in the 21st century.
They were created by crossing Silkies with Turkens. The result was a bird that looks Dr. Seuss-inspired as they have all the characteristics of the silkie with a fluffy head crest.
The most distinguishing feature of the Showgirls is its show-stopping plumage. Their distinctive characteristics give these hens their reputation as “showcases” at poultry shows across America, where you can see all your favorite breeds up close.
It is one of the most beautiful and exotic breeds of chicken that you can find.
Breed History
In the early 20th century, the two most popular show poultry breeds were Silkies and Turken. These hens have been around for quite some time.
The Silkies appear to be covered in fur rather than feathers because their feathers lack barbicels, which hold their feathers into their feathered shape. The earlobes of silkies are turquoise, and they have a black beak and eyes, which can make for interesting genetics for the Showgirl Silkie.
The Turken, or Transylvanian Naked Neck, is a large fowl chicken without feathers at the neck, thus resembling a tiny turkey.
Showgirl Chickens: Basic Breed Information
Weight and Size
The showgirl chicken is a light-sized bird, and the males and females are both showy in appearance. The weight range for showgirls is 1.8-2.8 pounds.
Colors
The showgirl chicken is a beautiful light brown color, with contrasting dark markings around the eyes and beak. The most distinguishing feature of this breed is its show-stopping plumage.
Egg Production
It is a productive breed, and the females can lay between 80 and 140 cream, tinted, or brown eggs per year.
Climate Tolerance
Showgirls are hardy breeds tolerant of most climates. They are ideal for backyard flocks in cold temperatures, and you can also raise them in warm climates. In the summer, ensure plenty of shade and water and a well-insulated coop for the winter.
Common Showgirl Varieties for Your Backyard Flock
- Black showgirls
- Blue showgirls
- Buff showgirls
- Columbian showgirls
- Partridge showgirls
- Red showgirls
- White Showgirls
What it’s Like to Own Showgirl Chickens (Characteristics)
- Known for their showy appearance, showgirls are a beautiful breed. They are typically white with black markings, and they have a very regal look to them.
- Showgirls are also very friendly and easy to care for. They are hardy birds that can adapt to most climates, and they are known for their high level of productivity.
- Showgirl females are usually very calm, sweet, and gentle birds. They usually make excellent pets, especially for children.
- The eggs that these hens lay are also wonderful. They can range from tinted, cream, or brown and are on the smaller side of eggs you will find.
- It is a great choice if you are looking for a showpiece chicken for your flock. Be sure to check with your local poultry breeder to see if they have any available.
- This fowl is very shiny, and they often serve as brooders because of their excellent mothering skills. They are also relatively calm birds, making them a good choice for those new to keeping chickens.
- They do not have feathers on their necks. Like a Turken, it has a long naked neck.
Disadvantages of Owning Showgirls
The easy target of predators
Showgirl Chicken do best in a fenced-in area due to not being very predator aware. Some ways to keep them safe include installing an automatic chicken coop door to close them in automatically at night. Alternatively, a chicken coop camera can monitor their movements inside and outside the chicken coop.
They do not do well with free-ranging
When allowed to roam outside the confines of their home pen, showgirls will quickly disappear from view for long periods.
Showgirls are a delicate breed
The gentle nature of the breed can be a drawback if they work with more aggressive breeds in your flock. Their calm nature can make them an easy target for bullying.
Showgirls need extra care
Among the chicken breeds, showgirls have some special requirements. For example, their silky feathers make them vulnerable to extremely cold weather, especially when wet, making them susceptible to catching a cold. Their feathered feet require extra care as well.
How to Breed Showgirl Chickens
If you are interested in breeding showgirls and have about three years’ time, there are a few things that you need to know.
The first thing is that the showgirl is broodier than most other hens and makes for exceptional mothers. They are such good mothers that other breeds of chickens and poultry are often hatched and reared by them.
The steps to breed the Showgirl Silkie are fairly easy. As part of the first-generation breeding program, the Turken is used to enhance the Naked Neck gene. Then, continue breeding Naked Necked Chicks with Silkies for multiple generations to improve type. Finally, all this work leads to the end goal of Silkies with naked necks.
Where to find Breeders and Hatcheries for Showgirl Chickens?
Talking to your local poultry breeder is the best place to start if you’re looking for showgirl fowls. Breeders will guide you through the process and help you get started.
You can also find breeders and hatcheries online. Search for “showgirl chicken breeders” or “showgirl chicken hatcheries.” You should be able to locate reputable breeders and hatcheries in your area. Here are a few hatcheries offering them online:
Frequently asked questions (faq’s)
What do showgirl chickens eat?
Showgirls are omnivorous and eat various things, including seeds, insects, fruits, and vegetables.
How big do showgirl chickens get?
Showgirls typically weigh between 1.8 and 2.8 lbs.
What is the lifespan of a showgirl chicken?
Silkies typically have a lifespan of 7 to 9 years, so you can expect your Showgirl Silkie to live about as long.
Do showgirl chickens lay eggs?
Yes, they lay between 80 and 140 eggs per year.
What is the price of showgirl chickens?
Showgirls typically sell for $10 to $15 per bird.
Do they resemble Silkie hens?
Yes, they have unusual feather structure, behavior, and nature that resemble silkie very much.
Is the Showgirl Chicken Right for you?
So, if you’re looking for a showy chicken that will turn heads at your next poultry show, the showgirl is the best choice. It is a hardy breed that is adaptable to various climates and known for its good temperament. So, why not add a few Showgirls to your flock? You won’t be disappointed.