Did you know that Silkies, Bowties, and True Showgirls are genetically the exact same breed? It all comes down to one single, fascinating gene: the Naked Neck (Na) gene. This is an autosomal dominant gene, which means it only takes one copy from a parent to show up in the chicks.
na/na (Regular Silkie): Has two recessive genes. Full fluffy neck. Just average silkie
Na/na (Bowtie Showgirl): Has one dominant and one recessive gene. The neck is bare, but they sport a cute tuft of feathers at the front.
Na/Na (True Showgirl): Has two dominant genes. Completely bare neck, aka “The Stripper”!.
The most surprising part for many new keeper is the Bowtie x Bowtie pairing. Because both parents carry the hidden recessive ‘na’ gene, you have a 25% chance of hatching a fully fluffy, regular Silkie from two naked-necked parents!
Many people get confused : The bearded versus non-bearded trait is controlled by an entirely different and independent gene. This guide is only referring to the look created by the Na (Naked Neck) gene.
