Silkie

The Silkie is a small ornamental chicken famous for soft, hair-like feathering, dark skin, feathered legs, and a gentle, rounded appearance. The breed has deep Asian roots and is now kept worldwide in bearded and non-bearded forms, with many color varieties. Silkies are not built for high egg output or wet rough range; their appeal lies in broodiness, temperament, exhibition type, and their instantly recognizable texture.

Silkie care should account for the same traits that make the breed attractive. Their feathers do not shed water like normal plumage, so dry housing and sheltered runs are essential. Crests can limit vision, and feathered feet need checks for mud, mites, or broken feathers. Hens are often strong broodies and can hatch chicks from other breeds, but breeders still need to select for fertility, correct skin color, sound legs, and birds that can thrive beyond the show pen.

Colors: Barred, Birchen, Black, Black Mottled, Blue, Brown, Buff, Chocolate, Chocolate Mottled, Columbian, Crele, Cuckoo, Duckwing, Gold, Gold Laced, Grey, Laced, Lavender, Mauve, Mille Fleur, Mottled, Paint, Partridge, Penciled, Porcelain, Red, Silver, Silver Laced, Spangled, Splash, Wheaten, White