Silver Duckwing Yokohama Chicken

Silver Duckwing Yokohama Chicken

If you're seeking an eye-catching addition to your flock, the Silver Duckwing Yokohama chicken is a striking choice. Originally bred in Japan, this rare breed is known for its elegant posture and pheasant-like body. The roosters are particularly impressive, with incredibly long saddle and tail feathers that can grow up to 2-3 feet per year under optimal conditions.

With a distinctive combination of silver and black plumage, this variety stands out in any setting. While not yet recognized in the American Standard of Perfection, the Silver Duckwing Yokohama remains a popular choice for enthusiasts who appreciate its unique beauty. Available now at The Chicken Coop Company, these rare birds are sure to be a conversation starter in your flock. Contact us today for more information or to place
your order!

Health and Care:

• Hardy in Moderate Climates: The Silver Duckwing Yokohama is relatively hardy, but like many ornamental breeds, they are better suited to moderate climates. Their long feathers can make them more susceptible to heat stress during the summer months, so they need ample shade and fresh water to keep cool. In colder climates, they should be kept in a dry, well-ventilated coop to protect their long feathers from becoming wet and chilled.
  
  
• Feather Care: These chickens have long, flowing feathers, especially on their tails, which are one of their most distinctive features. Regular grooming is necessary to prevent their feathers from becoming matted or dirty. Their feathers also need to be kept clean to prevent them from becoming weighed down or soiled, which can lead to health issues.
  
  
• Disease Resistance: Silver Duckwing Yokohamas are generally resilient and not prone to specific diseases. However, like all chickens, they are susceptible to common poultry issues such as mites, lice, and respiratory infections. Regular health checks, clean living conditions, and good nutrition will help keep them healthy.

Egg Laying:

• Modest Egg Production: The Silver Duckwing Yokohama is not known for prolific egg-laying. They typically produce around 150-200 small white or cream-colored eggs per year. These eggs are generally small, which makes the breed less focused on egg production and more prized for ornamental purposes.
• Seasonal Laying: Like other ornamental chicken breeds, the Silver Duckwing Yokohama's egg production tends to be seasonal. They usually lay more eggs during the warmer months, with production slowing down in the winter due to shorter daylight hours and cooler weather.
• Small Eggs: The eggs laid by this breed are small but clean, and their primary appeal is more in their ornamental nature than in their egg production.

Temperament:

• Calm and Elegant: Silver Duckwing Yokohamas are known for their calm, docile, and elegant temperament. They are friendly birds but not overly social, making them a good choice for backyard flocks where they will be handled gently. They tend to be more reserved and less active than some other breeds, giving them a refined and dignified demeanor.
• Independent but Quiet: These chickens are not particularly vocal and tend to be quiet, which makes them suitable for urban or suburban environments. They are independent birds, preferring a more solitary lifestyle but getting along well with other chickens, especially those of a similar temperament.
• Not Highly Active: While not the most active or energetic breed, Silver Duckwing Yokohamas are relatively low-maintenance. They don’t require extensive space to roam but still enjoy having access to a safe, secure area where they can forage and explore.

Appearance:

• Striking Plumage: The Silver Duckwing Yokohama is known for its unique and beautiful color pattern. The "duckwing" coloration refers to the distinctive mix of black, silver, and golden hues, which create a shimmering, metallic look. The rooster typically has a silvery body with black wings and tail feathers, while the hen tends to have more subdued tones of silver and gold.
• Long, Flowing Tail: One of the most striking features of the Silver Duckwing Yokohama is its long, elegant tail feathers. The tails are particularly long and sweeping, adding to the bird’s ornamental beauty. These long tail feathers are a signature trait of the breed and require regular grooming to keep them clean and in good condition.
• Graceful Build: The breed has a slender, graceful build, with a long neck and an upright posture. Their delicate frame and long feathers make them appear larger than they are. They have a sleek, refined appearance with a broad chest and a slim body.
• Medium Size: Silver Duckwing Yokohamas are medium-sized birds, with roosters typically weighing around 4-5 pounds and hens weighing around 3-4 pounds. They have a lightweight frame that gives them a graceful presence.
• Single Comb and Wattles: Like other chickens, they have a single comb and wattles. The comb is usually medium-sized and red, and their wattles are also red, adding a touch of color to their otherwise elegant appearance.

What is special about Yokohama chickens?
Yokohama chickens are known for their ornamental appearance, especially the long, flowing tail feathers on the roosters, which can grow several feet long. They are a rare breed originating from Japan, prized for their beauty rather than egg production.

How do you care for Silver Duckwing Yokohama chickens?
These chickens require specialized care due to their long tail feathers, which need protection from damage. A spacious, clean environment with soft bedding and minimal obstacles is essential to keep their feathers in good condition.

Are Silver Duckwing Yokohama chickens good egg layers?
Yokohama chickens are not known for their egg-laying abilities. They are primarily raised for ornamental purposes, and hens lay a limited number of small white eggs each year.

Can Silver Duckwing Yokohama chickens live with other breeds?
Yes, they can live with other chicken breeds, but it's important to ensure that they have enough space and that their tail feathers aren't damaged by more active or aggressive breeds.

• Poultry Show Class: All Other Standard Breeds, Orientals Class
  
• Weights: Hen ——-3 1/2 lbs
  Rooster—-4 1/2 lb
  Pullet——-3  lbs
  Cockerel—4 lbs
  
• Purpose and Type: Ornamental, Show; Exhibition
  
• Egg Shell Color: Cream or Tinted
  
• Egg Production: Fair
  
• Egg Size: Small
  
• Temperament: Active
  
• Fertility Percentage: 40-55%
  
• Broody: Variable
  
• Mating Ratio: 8 Females to 1 Male
  
• Roost Height: 4+ feet
  
• Country of Origin: Japan
  
• APA: No
  
• TLC: Yes, Threatened Status, Considered a sustainable heritage chicken breed.
  
• Breeder Farm Source: Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing our bloodline or strain of Red Shouldered Yokohama, White Yokohama and Silver Duckwing Yokohama since 1977.