To protect the health of U.S. livestock and poultry and the economic well-being of those industries, we must be able to quickly and effectively trace an animal disease to its source.
By choosing to participate in NAIS, you will join a national disease response network built to protect your animals, your neighbors, and your economic livelihood against the devastation of a foreign animal disease outbreak.
The Silkie is a variety of chicken believed to have originated in eastern Asia. Silkies generally have a fluffy appearance due to their feathers lacking functioning barbicels; essentially, all their feathers are very much like down. Their unique appearance and their quiet temperament mean they are often kept as pets. The hens easily become broody, laying only a dozen or so eggs before attempting to hatch out their clutch. They are considered excellent mothers. Their broodiness makes them a poor breed for egg production, and their dark skin makes them difficult to market as meat birds in Europe and America.
How to Become a Participant in the National Poultry Improvement Plan
Click on the e-mail next to the State where your hatchery, independent flock or business is located and send the State NPIP agency a request for NPIP participation including your name, address, phone number, fax number if applicable, e-mail, type of business (hatchery, independent breeding flock, or dealer) type of poultry you handle or breed (egg-type chickens, meat-type chickens, turkeys, waterfowl, exhibition poultry, game birds, and/or ratites).
An outbreak of a bird disease such as Exotic Newcastle Disease or Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza could not only harm your birds, it could kill other nearby birds and quickly spread through your flock. In order to prevent such an outbreak, USDA, in cooperation with States, has begun a campaign to promote avian health by encouraging bird owners “to report sick or suspicious birds to your veterinarian, and/or extension agent and to practice good biosecurity.”
The National Silkie Breeders Association was started in late 2006 and an official club by early 2007. It is a private professional breeders club for Bantam Silkies. We also mentor upcoming breeders who's goal is to breed to APA standard and show their stock.
Since 1914 the American Bantam Association has represented bantam breeders and their special interests. It has grown into a strong and vibrant national organization that promotes the breeding and exhibiting of all kinds of bantams.
Welcome to the website of the American Silkie Bantam Club. We hope you find our site to be of value in locating information on Silkie chickens. The many services and products offered by our organization are also available through these web pages.
