Frizzle (chicken plumage)
Type of chicken with feathers that curl outwards
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A frizzle refers to a plumage pattern in domesticated chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) characterized by feathers that curl outwards, rather than lying flat as in most chickens. The frizzle type is not a separate breed, but a variety within breeds. Though all breeds of chickens may be frizzled; it is most commonly seen in breeds such as the Cochin, Pekin, and Polish.[1] Chickens with this pattern are sometimes referred to as frizzles. The gene which causes the frizzles' peculiar feathering is an incomplete dominant trait.[1]
Common Breeds
Almost all breeds can be frizzled, but the most common are listed below:[2]
- Cochin
- Polish
- Silkie (Commonly referred to as "Sizzle")
- Plymouth Rock
- Buff Orpington
Bantam Breeds:
Genetics
Uses
As a result of its unusual look, frizzles are primarily used as exhibition birds, and are included in most English language poultry standards.
There is a pure breed of chicken with this feature, known as the Frizzle breed.[4]
See also
- Frizzle (chicken breed), a specific breed with this feature
