a white silkie and a grey silkie chicken

Caring for Silkie Chickens: The Ultimate Guide

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Silkie chickens, with their distinctive fluffy plumage, black skin, and unique appearance, have captured the hearts of poultry enthusiasts around the world. Believed to have originated in China during the 13th century, these captivating birds are not only a sight to behold but also make excellent pets.

In this article, we’ll explore the proper care required for silkie hens and roosters, shedding light on their small size, ornamental characteristics, and potential health considerations.

Partiridge Silkie Chicken
My Partridge Silkie, Sassy

History of Silkies

The exact origins of Silkie chickens remain shrouded in mystery, but they are widely believed to have originated in China over 2,000 years ago. Known as “wǔ guī jī” in Mandarin, which translates to “black-boned chicken,” Silkies were initially valued for their purported medicinal properties and were kept by Chinese nobility.

Silkies were introduced to the Western world in the early 19th century and quickly gained popularity for their unique appearance. Characterized by fluffy plumage that feels like silk or satin, black skin and bones, and a crest of feathers on their heads, Silkies are often referred to as the “teddy bears” of the chicken world.

a brown, grey, white, and orange silkie chicken

Breeds and Varieties

Silkie chickens come in a variety of colors, and while these variations are often referred to as “breeds” informally, it’s important to note that they are all part of the same breed—the Silkie chicken breed. The American Poultry Association (APA) recognizes several color varieties for Silkies.

White Silkie: Recognized by the APA, these birds have fluffy white plumage, blue earlobes, dark-colored wattles, and turquoise or slate-blue skin.

Black Silkie: Another APA-recognized variety, black Silkies have a solid black coloration with the same distinctive features as the White Silkie.

Blue Silkie: Blue Silkies have a bluish-gray plumage. While not always recognized in all poultry shows, they are popular among backyard breeders and enthusiasts.

Splash Silkie: Splash Silkies have a white base with irregular splashes of blue or black. Like Blue Silkies, they may not be recognized in all poultry shows.

Buff Silkie: Buff Silkies have a light tan or buff-colored plumage. This variety is not always officially recognized but is still popular among backyard keepers.

Partridge Silkie: Partridge Silkies have a mix of black, red, and white feathers, creating a striking and unique appearance. This variety is also not always recognized.

grey silkie chicken
My Blue Silkie, Flufferton

Appearance and Features

Silkie chickens are a unique and distinctive breed known for their fluffy plumage and friendly disposition. Here are some key features of Silkie chickens.

Buff Silkie chicken
My Splash Silkie, Little Bit

Feathers

Silkie chickens are a distinct breed known for their unique characteristics, one of which is their distinct feathering. As the name suggests, Silkie feathers have a soft and silky texture.

Their feathers lack the hard quill found in regular chicken feathers, contributing to their soft and downy feel. Silkies also lack the barbicels that hold the barbs of a feather together, which gives them a fluffier appearance. Another feathered characteristic that Silkies have is feathers on their legs and toes, a characteristic not found in most regular chicken breeds.

Group of 3 Cochin and Silkie chickens and rooster, sitting on a row facing camera. Isolated on a white background.

Size

Silkie chickens are a small-sized breed, and both hens and roosters are generally compact and lightweight. Silkie hens typically weigh 2-3 pounds while a silkie rooster will weigh 3-4 pounds.

Crested Head

Silkies have a distinctive crest of feathers on their heads that resembles a “pom-pom” or a puff of hair. Their crests can sometimes obstruct their vision, and they are more susceptible to predators because of it. Silkie owners may need to trim the feathers around their eyes to ensure that they do not become so overgrown that they impair the chicken’s vision. I have to do this regularly. 

a grey bearded silkie and a white non bearded silkie side by side photos

Beards

While the majority of Silkie chickens are known for having a distinctive trait called a “beard,” not all Silkies exhibit this feature. Silkies that have a beard are often referred to as “bearded Silkies,” while those without a beard are called “non-bearded Silkies.” 

A bearded Silkie has a tuft of feathers that grows under its beak, giving it a somewhat fluffy or “bearded” appearance. Both types are accepted within the breed standard, and individual birds within a flock may display either characteristic.

Blue Earlobes

Purebred Silkies have blue earlobes, which is a feature that distinguishes them from many other chicken breeds. Their blue earlobes are considered a standard feature for Silkies and are recognized in poultry shows as part of the breed’s unique and distinctive appearance.

Five Toes

Unlike most chickens, which have four toes, Silkies have an additional toe for a total of five toes on each foot. While the exact origin of the extra toe in Silkies may remain a bit mysterious, it has become a defining feature of the breed.

dark grey  Silkie chicken meat

Skin and Meat Color

One unique feature of Silkies is their blue-black skin, which is not common in regular chicken breeds. This trait extends to their flesh as well. The meat of Silkies is dark, and their bones are also dark in color, setting them apart from the typical, white-skinned chickens.

In Chinese cuisine, Silkie chicken is considered a delicacy, and it is often used in soups and stews. Some people believe that Silkie chicken meat has certain health benefits and is valued for its supposed nourishing properties.

Regular chicken egg vs silkie chicken egg

Egg-Laying

Silkies typically lay a modest number of small eggs. On average, you can expect a Silkie hen to lay around 100 to 120 eggs per year, but individual variations may occur. Their laying frequency can be influenced by factors such as genetics, diet, health, and environmental conditions. Silkie eggs are relatively small, so be prepared for smaller-sized eggs if you plan to use them for consumption. To learn more, check out this article.

A baby chick sitting on the back of a silkie chicken
Sassy with her two baby chicks

Personalities

Silkie chickens are well-regarded for their friendly and docile nature making them great pets. My Silkie chickens are the most friendly and gentle of my backyard flock. When I let them free range and I call for them, they immediately come running to me.  It melts my heart every time.

Regular human interaction is essential for maintaining their friendly demeanor. Spending time with your silkies will not only strengthen the bond but also help you identify any signs of health conditions early on.

While Silkies are usually sociable with other chickens and can integrate well into a mixed flock, you must be careful that they don’t get bullied by more aggressive chicken breeds. Sadly I must keep my silkie chickens separated from the rest of my flock because two of my hens love to pick on them. If you plan to have silkie chickens in a mixed flock, I recommend getting them first and letting them raise your other chickens.

white silkie hen hatching eggs

Broody Nature

Silkies are considered one of the most broody chicken breeds and they will hatch and raise anything!  I only have Silkie hens, but I have let them sit on fertilized eggs from my other standard chicken breeds. When Silkies go broody, they become dedicated and attentive mothers. They will diligently sit on a clutch of eggs, keeping them warm and turning them regularly.

So, how often do Silkies go broody? It’s not a question of ‘if’ but ‘when.’ Silkie hens can remain broody for an extended period, often longer than other chicken breeds. This can affect their egg-laying patterns, as they may stop laying eggs while they are brooding. I have one Silkie hen that goes broody about every 8–10 weeks.  This is something to keep in mind if you don’t plan on hatching your own chicks.  You’ll have to break a broody hen constantly. To learn more about broodiness, check out this article.

A grey, brown, and yellow silkie baby chicken
Flufferton, Sassy, and Little Bit when they were babies

Caring for Silkie Chickens

Proper care is essential to ensure their well-being. Here are some guidelines for special care of Silkie chickens,

Shelter and Space: While silkies don’t require as much space as some larger breeds, they still need adequate room to move around. Aim for at least 3-4 square feet of space inside the chicken coop and 8-10 square feet of space in the run per bird.

Ensure proper insulation, especially in colder climates, as Silkies are more susceptible to cold due to their fluffy plumage. If you live in a colder region like we do, you may need to add a heat source for your silkies in the colder months. Our Wisconsin winters can be brutal, so when it gets into the negative temperatures, I put a heat panel in the Silkie house for them to have extra warmth if needed. I don’t recommend using a heat lamp as they are extremely dangerous. To find out why, check out this article.

Foot Care: Silkie chickens are known for their unique feathered toes, and caring for their feet is essential to maintain their overall health and well-being. Feathered toes can sometimes become matted, especially in wet or muddy conditions. Gently separate any matted feathers to prevent discomfort or the risk of infection.

Trim the feathers on the bottom of their feet if they become excessively long. Long feathers can pick up dirt, feces, and debris, leading to hygiene issues. Use clean, sharp scissors or poultry shears to trim the feathers carefully. If you notice any signs of swelling, injury, or irritation, you can soak the Silkie’s feet in warm water with a mild antiseptic solution. This can help clean the area and reduce inflammation.

Dust Baths: Provide a designated area with fine dust or sand for Silkies to dust bathe. This natural behavior helps keep their feathers clean and may aid in parasite control. To learn the essential ingredients for dust baths, check out this article.

Dietary Needs: Provide a balanced diet with a layer feed suitable for their small size. During cold weather, adjust their diet to ensure they receive enough nutrients and calories to cope with the harsh weather. I give my Silkies extra mealworms and sunflower seeds in the winter.

Clean Water: Ensure a constant supply of clean water, especially during colder months when hydration is essential for maintaining body heat.

Protecting Against Predators: Despite their small size, silkies can fall prey to various potential predators. Secure their coop and run to protect them from local wildlife and ensure they can roost safely. To learn how to protect your chickens from predators, check out this article.

Health Considerations: Maintaining the health of Silkie chickens involves attention to various aspects of their care. Silkie chickens are generally hardy, but they can be susceptible to Marek’s disease. Regular health check-ups and vaccinations are crucial to prevent and address potential health problems.

Bottom Line

Raising silkie chickens can be a rewarding experience for poultry enthusiasts. With their unique appearance, fluffy feathers, and friendly nature, silkies make excellent pets for both beginners and experienced chicken keepers alike.

By paying attention to these health considerations, you can help ensure that your Silkie chickens lead happy and healthy lives. Regular observation, a good diet, proper housing, and proactive veterinary care contribute to their overall well-being. 

What questions do you have? Let me know in the comments!

Related Posts:
Backyard Chickens 101
Essential Ingredients for Dust Baths
Protect Your Chickens From Predators
Understanding and Caring for Broody Hens
Are Silkies Good Egg Layers?
The Dangers of Using Heat Lamps for Chickens
How Much Space do Chickens Need?

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  1. We had one silkie rooster and believe it or not, he was the top dog in the coop! He was dominate even over our huge, old rooster! It was so funny to watch the little guy chase away the big rooster! Silkie was a great protector, but never aggressive toward people. He died protecting our flock from a fox! I’d love to get some more silkies in the future. They make me happy just watching them.