The Silkie is a small, ornamental chicken breed known for its unique, soft, fluffy plumage that resembles silk. Originating in Asia, Silkies are prized for their exotic appearance, gentle temperament, and as pets or show birds.
Key Features:
Appearance: Silkies have a distinct, soft, "silky" plumage that feels like fur rather than traditional feathers. They have a round body with a broad chest, feathered legs, and a striking topknot of feathers on their head. Their skin is dark, often slate-blue or black, and they have a blue or black beak, which is another characteristic of the breed.
Size: Silkies are a small breed, with hens typically weighing around 2-3 lbs and roosters about 4 lbs. Despite their small size, they are robust and hardy for bantams.
Egg Production: Silkies are not prolific layers, typically producing around 100-120 small cream or tinted eggs per year. They are more often kept for ornamental purposes, as pets, or for show rather than for high egg production.
Temperament: Known for their calm, friendly, and affectionate nature, Silkies are extremely gentle and sociable. They are great pets and do well with children, making them popular for families. They are also very docile and easy to handle, though they can sometimes be shy or timid.
Hardiness: Silkies are relatively hardy, though their soft plumage does not provide as much insulation as the feathers of other breeds, so they may need extra protection from harsh weather, especially cold or wet conditions. They do best in moderate climates and sheltered environments.
 
Summary:
The Silkie is a small, gentle chicken breed known for its unique silky plumage and friendly nature. While not prolific egg layers, they make excellent pets, show birds, and ornamental additions to any flock due to their distinctive appearance and calm demeanor.
 
*Silkies are sold as straight-run only*