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Burt Yakomoto came into our lives as an adoptee from our Chadds Ford Veterinary Hospital. A
horse stepped on little Burt, thus, injuring him. Although leaving Burt handicapped with a
permanent limp, you thought he had the cutest little gait.
The above photo of Burt was taken in our kitchen at Hickory Hill Farm, during the 1980's.
Burt spent his nights with feed and water, sleeping on newspapers, and staying put until the
next morning before venturing outside for the day (free range).
At dusk, you would find Burt on the front porch under a small wooden bench, waiting to walk
in by himself to his night chambers.
One day Burt even attended elementary school. He visited the 6th grade class at our Chadds
Ford-Unionville Middle School, who were at that time, studying the Orient. When it was time
for his debut Burt proceeded, crowing his message to the children, walking up and down the
isles as the students felt his feathers of silk. There was only one child who would not
touch Burt...he was sitting in the last seat in the last row, and jumped with fright when
Burt approached him. Also, in the midst of Burt amusing the children with his crowing, a
teacher from another classroom walked down the hallway with a very quizzical look on her
face to see just what was going on in this classroom.
Burt was certainly a Rooster with character, and enjoyed his days hanging out with his many
animal friends on our property.
Take notice: Burt's comb is deep mulberry in color. His legs are black in color, and he
has "Spats" of white feathers growing down his legs to his toes. (I have included a few
details and a web site below for more information about Silkies.)
Silkies:
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/CGP/Silkies/BRKSilkies.html
[This breed was developed in the Orient, probably in Japan. The feathers don't have barbs or
quills, and the birds look and feel like Persian cats! Some of the varieties are Black,
Blue, Buff, Partridge, Silver-grey and White. Interesting characteristics of the breed are
its 5 toes and black skin. They also have walnut combs, which should be a deep mulberry
approaching black. Red comb and wattles are disqualifications. Silkie hens are among the
best to use as broodies if you want to hatch your eggs out under hens. They make wonderful
mothers and I've known a silkie rooster to steal a brood of very young chicks and raise them
himself -- this is a very nurturing breed.
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