Silkie chickens are known for their unique fluffy plumage that feels like silk or satin. But beyond their distinctive appearance, Silkies are also prized for their black skin, bones, and blue earlobes. And when it comes to their eggs, many backyard chicken keepers wonder if Silkies lay eggs that taste any different than eggs from other chicken breeds.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Silkie eggs, including their taste, nutritional content, size, shell color, yolk color, and more. We’ll also explore how factors like diet can impact egg flavor. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the distinctive eggs from this ornamental chicken breed!
Do Silkie Eggs Taste Different Than Other Chicken Eggs?
When it comes to taste, Silkie eggs are quite similar to eggs laid by other chicken breeds. The flavor of an egg is most impacted by the diet of the hen who laid it. Since Silkies are often fed the same diet as other backyard chickens, their eggs end up tasting very comparable.
There are some minor differences though. Some chicken keepers note that Silkie eggs may taste a bit richer and creamier. Their yolks also tend to be darker yellow than yolks from other chickens. But these are very subtle distinctions. Overall, Silkie eggs have a classic egg flavor that is quite similar to eggs from Plymouth Rocks, Rhode Island Reds, Orpingtons, and other popular backyard chicken breeds.
What Impacts the Flavor of Chicken Eggs?
While a Silkie egg may taste indistinguishable from other eggs to most people, there are some factors that can impact the flavor:
Diet
What a hen eats has the biggest effect on egg flavor. Chickens fed a diverse diet of plants, vegetables, and insects will produce more nutritious eggs with brighter orange yolks. Access to fresh greens and bugs results in the best tasting eggs.
Hens fed lower quality commercial feed may lay eggs with paler yolks and less flavor. Diet supplements like kelp meal and oregano can also subtly impact flavor.
Breed
Genetics play a small role in egg flavor. Some heritage breeds like Marans and Welsummers are known for laying eggs with deeper, richer yolks. But when fed the same diet, most chicken breeds will lay eggs with very similar tastes.
Freshness
A fresh egg from the coop will always taste best. As an egg ages, the quality declines. Older eggs develop more sulfur compounds that lead to off-flavors. For peak flavor, eat eggs as soon as possible after they are laid.
Cooking Method
How an egg is prepared impacts its flavor. Hard boiling, frying, poaching, scrambling, and baking will all bring out slightly different tastes. The other ingredients used to cook the egg also complement its flavor.
Nutritional Profile of Silkie Eggs
When it comes to nutritional content, Silkie eggs are almost identical to eggs from other chicken breeds.
Here is the nutrition for a large Silkie egg (size extra large or jumbo):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 |
| Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 185mg |
| Sodium | 70mg |
| Protein | 6g |
| Iron | 0.9mg |
| Calcium | 28mg |
As you can see, Silkie eggs are low in calories but high in important nutrients like vitamin A, riboflavin, selenium, and choline. The protein from their eggs contains all 9 essential amino acids as well.
Silkie eggs provide the same outstanding nutrition as eggs from any other chicken breed. There are no significant nutritional differences.
Average Silkie Egg Size and Weight
Silkies tend to lay small to medium sized eggs. A Silkie egg on average weighs between 36-40 grams, while a large egg from a breed like a Rhode Island Red can weigh up to 50-60 grams.
When compared by USDA egg size grade, Silkie eggs are often:
- Small: less than 18 ounces per dozen
- Medium: minimum net weight of 18 ounces per dozen
- Large: minimum net weight of 21 ounces per dozen
- Extra large: minimum net weight of 24 ounces per dozen
You may see some size variations between Silkies, but most lay eggs sized small to medium. The small size is due to the fact that Silkies are bantams – essentially miniature chickens. Their eggs match their petite stature.
Silkie Egg Shell Color
While Silkie egg color can range from cream to beige to light brown, the most common shell color is creamy white.
Some breeders have worked to develop lines of Silkies that lay darker brown eggs. But typically, Silkie eggshells are light colored since Silkies have white earlobes.
Earlobe color generally sets egg color with chickens that have:
- White earlobes laying white eggs
- Red earlobes laying brown eggs
There are some exceptions, but this is generally what determines the pigment. Silkies have white earlobes that result in lighter shell colors.
Silkie Egg Yolk Color
When you crack open a Silkie egg, you’ll notice the yolk color tends to be rich yellow-orange or even gold.
Dark yellow yolks indicate the diet of the hen includes nutritious greens, plants, and bugs that provide carotenoids. These natural pigments get deposited into the yolk.
Some chicken keepers claim Silkie yolks are darker than other breeds. It may be their genetics, though Silkie diet and free-ranging also plays a role.
Pale yellow yolks are often a sign a hen’s diet is low in greens and high in commercial layer feed. To produce dark golden yolks, offer Silkies plenty of fresh forage and supplements like marigold petals.
Common Questions About Silkie Eggs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Silkie chicken eggs:
How Many Eggs Do Silkies Lay Per Year?
Silkies are considered good egg layers for bantams. They produce 3-4 small to medium eggs per week, averaging 150-180 cream-colored eggs per year.
This lower egg production makes them broody hens. Silkies love to go broody and make great mothers.
Do Silkies Lay Birdwatcher 15 Priceless Eggs?
No, Silkies do not lay Pygmygama eggs that have tiny yolks (also called Fairy Eggs, Witch Eggs, or Birdwatcher eggs). This genetic quirk only occurs in select breeds like Pygmygama Game Fowl. Silkies lay normal eggs.
How Long Do Silkies Lay Eggs?
Like most chickens, Silkies start laying eggs around 5-7 months old. They will continue laying eggs regularly for 2-3 years. Egg production slowly declines after 3 years old. Silkies may live 8-9 years, but peak laying is in their first few years.
What Age Do Silkie Roosters Crow?
Silkie roosters start to crow around 5-7 months old when they reach sexual maturity. However, Silkies are not extremely loud birds. Their crows are subdued compared to larger chicken breeds.
Do Silkies Go Broody?
Yes, Silkies are well known for their broodiness. It’s common for Silkie hens to go broody multiple times per year. Their strong natural mothering instincts make them excellent broody hens and great adoptive mothers for fertilized eggs.
Incubating Fertilized Silkie Eggs
For chicken keepers looking to hatch some fluffy Silkie chicks, incubating the eggs takes a little extra care. Here are some tips:
– Silkie eggs require 21 days of incubation before hatching. Temperature should be 99.5 F.
– Due to their fluff, Silkie hens can sometimes have difficulty covering and incubating a clutch well. Incubating Silkie eggs artificially often has better success.
– Humidity level is important. Silkie chicks have a hard time hatching without proper humidity around 70%.
– Handle Silkie eggs carefully as their thin shells are prone to cracks. Discard any cracked eggs.
– Gently reposition Silkie eggs twice per day during incubation.
– Provide ventilation holes in the incubator. Silkie chicks are sensitive to high carbon dioxide levels. Never seal off the incubator.
With proper temperature, humidity, ventilation, and egg turning, Silkie eggs can hatch successfully in small batches. Prepare a brooder for the adorable fluffy chicks.
Cooking with Silkie Eggs
Silkie eggs can be enjoyed in all the same ways as regular chicken eggs. Their small size makes them perfect one-egg dishes. Here are some recipe ideas:
– Fried, poached, or scrambled eggs
– Omelets or frittatas
– Hard boiled eggs for deviled eggs
– Baked goods like cakes, cookies, muffins
– Mayonnaise, hollandaise sauce, and custards
– Egg drop soup with the eggs drizzled in
For baking, you may need to use 3-4 Silkie eggs as a substitute for 2 large chicken eggs. Adjust any recipe accordingly for the smaller egg size.
The dark golden Silkie egg yolks make dishes extra vibrant and appetizing. Any recipe will be enriched by the beautiful color.
Storing Silkie Eggs
For maximum freshness, Silkie eggs will store longest in the refrigerator. Place them in a covered container to maintain humidity and prevent odors from absorbing. Refrigerated, they should keep for 4-5 weeks.
Eggs can be stored at room temperature for 1-2 weeks. Make sure the room is cool as temperatures above 80°F can cause faster deterioration. Rotate eggs frequently and cook oldest ones first.
Preserving Silkie eggs longer than 5 weeks will lead to declines in freshness and flavor. For the best taste, try to eat Silkie eggs within 2 weeks of being laid.
Pricing of Silkie Eggs
As a specialty breed, Silkie eggs tend to cost more than regular chicken eggs. Prices typically range from $4-6 per dozen. Of course, pricing varies based on breeder and location.
Factors impacting Silkie egg prices include:
– Rarity of the variety – Show quality breeders charge higher prices
– Egg size – Jumbo or extra large eggs may cost more
– Shell color – Darker speckled brown shells are less common
– Supplemental diet – Eggs from foraged hens on organic diets fetch higher pricing
– Local chicken keeping regulations – Illegal urban eggs are priced at a premium
The price premium reflects the uniqueness of the eggs from this ornamental breed. For some consumers, the taste and appearance make Silkie eggs well worth the price.
Conclusion
When it comes to taste and nutrition, Silkie eggs are quite similar to eggs from any other chicken breed. Their small to medium size, creamy white shells, and rich golden yolks make them attractive and intriguing eggs. Silkies lay reliably three seasons per year. Their eggs can be prepared in all the usual ways. While Silkie eggs cost a bit more, many chicken keepers enjoy having a steady supply of the whimsical eggs from their flock’s broody Silkie hens. With proper diet and freshness, Silkie eggs offer a delightful egg-laying and eating experience.
