From its small beginnings, The Silkie Club is now amongst the largest poultry breed clubs. The club provides its members with an annual yearbook, and a minimum of two newsletters a year. For those members who exhibit their birds there are rosette cards at various shows, a series of Regional Shows around the country and competition for the Club's cups and rosettes at both the National and Federation shows. In addition, there is help and advice where possible from the Secretary and other members. On joining the club you would receive a copy of the current Silkie standards. There are free fact sheets available on topics such as vaccination against Mareks Disease; external and internal parasites in poultry and Silkie show preparation. It is also a good forum for sharing your interest in the breed with other like-minded people.

Breed Details

The Silkie Club was formed in 1898 when a small group of enthusiasts, who bred Silkies, joined together to form this club. They did so to promote both the exhibition and breeding of Silkies. The breed had been first imported into the country around 1850 and at the time the club was formed the popularity of Silkies in Victorian Britain was in the doldrums. However, the Silkie is such an ancient breed and such a unique one that even during its thinnest times it was never completely threatened with the loss of its distinction. It is with thanks to those early devotees of the breed that the Silkie has survived and in recent years has seen such an increase in its popularity. The birds that we see today have been shaped by the standards for the breed set in those early days of the club's existence. Now Silkies are available in TWO SIZES, the large and more diminutive bantam form. There are also five standard colours. Whether they are kept as pets, as broodies or for exhibition, they continue to give much pleasure. Their owners quickly appreciate their friendly docile nature and their strong maternal qualities. The sensuous silk of their unique feathering has ensured that the Silkie has enduring appeal.

Membership

As you will see from the membership application form, annual subscriptions are payable on the 1st October each year. New members joining in July, August and September are not required to re-new their subscriptions until the October the following year. The current subscription rates (see application form) are:

£8.00 for single membership
£12.00 for family membership
£10.00 for overseas membership.

Membership Application Form

Contact details

Club secretary - Mrs. S. Bowser,
Address: The Hon. Sec, Nettleham Heath Farm, Nettleham, Lincoln. LN2 2LU.
Telephone: 01522 754096