Silkie chicken

The Silkie chicken is a distinctive breed of domestic chicken known for its soft, fluffy plumage, black skin and bones, and five toes on each foot.

The Silkie chicken is a distinctive breed of domestic chicken originating in Asia, often associated with China. It is known for its soft, fluffy plumage, black skin and bones, and five toes on each foot. In Canada, Silkie chickens are commonly kept by backyard poultry owners, hobby farmers, and exhibitors, and are frequently featured in small-flock and poultry-keeping discussions.

Characteristics

Silkie chickens are small ornamental birds with unusually soft, fluffy feathers that lack normal hooklets, giving them a fur-like appearance. They have black skin, dark bones, and blue or turquoise earlobes, making them one of the most visually distinctive chicken breeds. Another notable trait is that they have five toes on each foot, unlike most chickens which have four.

Origin and history

The breed is generally regarded as originating in Asia, most often linked to China, though some sources also mention Japan or India. Western accounts of a furry or unusual chicken date back to Marco Polo in the 13th century.

Uses and behaviour

Silkies are commonly kept as pets, show birds, and broody hens because they are calm and highly inclined to sit on eggs. Their egg production is modest compared with many other chicken breeds, yielding about 100 to 120 small cream to tinted eggs per year. Hens typically weigh 2–3 lb and roosters 3–4 lb.

Breed status and varieties

Silkies are a recognised bantam breed in many poultry standards. Common colour varieties include white, black, blue, buff, partridge, splash, and sometimes grey.