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Silkie
ChickenInstantly 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
Heat tolerant
Broody
Good to know
- One of the calmest, friendliest breeds — a true pet chicken
- Black skin and bones, five toes, fluffy feathers
- Notoriously broody; often hatches other hens' eggs
- Feathers aren't waterproof — needs a dry coop
Egg colorCream
Egg production100–120 / year
Weight2–3 lb
TemperamentDocile
BroodinessFrequent
ClimateCold hardy, Heat tolerant
PurposeEggs, Show
Varieties
Non Bearded White
Bearded BlackBearded BlueBearded Blue SplashBearded BuffBearded CalicoBearded GrayBearded LavenderBearded PaintBearded PartridgeBearded SplashBearded WhiteJapaneseLavenderNon Bearded BlackNon Bearded Black JapaneseNon Bearded BlueNon Bearded BuffNon Bearded GrayNon Bearded PartridgeNon Bearded White JapanesePolishRed PyleRed BeardedShowgirlSilver
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