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 small ornamental breed known for its fluffy, silk-like feathers, black skin, and five toes. It is an old Asian breed commonly kept as a pet or exhibition bird.

What it is

Silkies are domestic chickens with soft, hookless feathers that give them a fur-like appearance. They have black skin and bones, blue earlobes, and five toes per foot — unlike most chickens, which have four. They are bantam-sized, with hens weighing 2–3 lb and roosters 3–4 lb.

Why it matters

Silkies are valued for their calm temperament and strong broodiness, making them excellent pets and natural incubators for hatching eggs. They lay about 100–120 small cream-to-tinted eggs per year, so they are not raised for high egg production but rather as ornamental or companion birds.

Key details

The breed likely originated in Asia, most often linked to China, and was described by Marco Polo in the 13th century. Common colour varieties include white, black, blue, buff, partridge, and splash. In Canada, Silkies are popular among backyard poultry owners, hobby farmers, and exhibitors.