Instantly recognizable, the Silkie wears fur-like plumage over black skin and bones, blue earlobes and five toes — an ancient breed described in China centuries ago and carried west by trade. Famously sweet and docile, Silkies often bond with their keepers and rank among the calmest of all chickens, which makes them beloved pets and broody "incubators" for other hens' eggs. They lay small cream eggs and are kept mainly for show and companionship. Their hair-like feathers don't shed water or insulate well, so they need a dry, draft-free coop.
Beginner friendly
Quiet breed
Good with kids
Cold hardy
Broody
Egg colorCream
Egg production100–120 / year
TemperamentDocile
BroodinessFrequent
ClimateCold hardy
PurposeEggs, Show
Weight
Bantam (Miniature size)
Hen1.8–2.5 lb
Rooster2.5–3.5 lb
How to spot it
CombWalnut
Small mulberry-purple walnut comb, nearly round
Earlobes
Turquoise-blue — unique among chickens
Legs & feet
Five toes, feathered legs and outer toes, slate-black skin and bones
Look for
Blue earlobes plus five toes plus black skin — three marks no other breed carries together
Varieties
Bearded Black
Bearded Blue
Bearded Buff
Bearded Gray
Bearded Partridge
Bearded Splash
Non Bearded White
Red Pyle
Red Bearded
Bearded Blue SplashBearded CalicoBearded LavenderBearded PaintBearded WhiteJapaneseLavenderNon Bearded BlackNon Bearded Black JapaneseNon Bearded BlueNon Bearded BuffNon Bearded GrayNon Bearded PartridgeNon Bearded White JapanesePolishShowgirlSilver
Walnut
