HatTrick Silkies Articles Split Wings

What is a Split Wing?
~ Nikki Stetson

The ABA Silkie Standard of Perfection states the following in reference to wings;
"Wings: Medium size, closely folded, carried well back and nearly horizontal, well above the lower thighs ending short of stern. Shoulders and fronts: concealed by hackles and breast feathers. Bows and coverts: Very well rounded. Primaries: medium length, well shredded, tapering convexly to stern, tips concealed by saddle feathers."

What is a "split wing"?
Split Wing is the most common wing issue in silkies today. A true split wing is just that - the natural placement of the wing "splits" and sometimes hangs (like a scissor) or turns outward.
If you gently fan the wing out, there is a definite split (or resembles a break) in the pattern. The wing feathers do not naturally and fully fan out. Split wing is NOT missing a feather due to molt or condition and is not to be confused with the "shreddy-ness" of the wing feathers. I have some examples of good wing vs. bad wing below...

Hen A - Split Wing
You can see how she naturally carries the wing. It looks a little "off".



Hen A - Wing gently fanned out. The split is noticeable. Although this hen is currently molting, I assure you there are no missing wing feathers. This wing is split.

Hen A - underside photo of same wing. You can see all the feathers are there, but the direction they grow in clearly splits.



Hen A - I can manipulate the appearance of the wing simply by using my ring finger underneath to move the feathers back in line with the 'fan' of the wing.

Once I release my ring finger underneath, the wing snaps back into it's naturally split position.

Hen B - Correct Wing



Hen B - Natural fan of the wing shows no splits (it's nice and shreddy too). Once I release the fan, the wing goes back into it's natural position. This is a correct silkie wing.

Comparison shots:


Hen A and Hen B

Correct Wing I caught this young blue cockerel sunning himself under the heat lamp. You can see the natural fan of the wing and line up of all the feathers.

"Hey, nice wing!"

Here's a great shot of a naturally fanned wing.
This was taken Fall '06 during a 'Midnight Chicken Run' meeting off the Interstate here in PA.
Janet and I take full advantage of any opportunity to meet up and swap birds.
This buff guy, Mario, was headed back to HatTrick Mass with Janet.

No, I didn't go home empty handed ;)

Here's Eddy loading a box of whites for me.
Such a gentleman :)

White Cockerel - note the natural fan of the wing
as he suns himself. All feathers align properly - this is a correct wing.

~ We are going to continue to add photos that I feel are beneficial in showing both good and bad placements of silkie wings. Please check back for updates. ~

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