What keeping Silkies is really like

Silkies look more like stuffed toys than chickens. Their feathers lack the tiny hooks that hold normal feathers together, so they feel like fur. They also have black skin and bones, five toes on each foot, feathered legs, a walnut comb, blue earlobes and, in most birds, a fluffy crest. They have been known in Asia for centuries, and today they are one of the most popular pet breeds anywhere.

Most Silkies are calm, gentle and easy to hold, which is why kids love them. They are slow movers and rarely fly. In mixed flocks they tend to sit near the bottom of the pecking order.

Broody is the default setting

Silkies are famous for going broody, often several times a year. Many keepers use them to hatch eggs from other breeds, and they make good, careful mothers. If you want eggs, though, a broody Silkie stops laying for weeks. Collect eggs often, and if needed, break the broodiness by moving her to a wire-floored crate for a few days. When not broody, Silkies lay small cream to tinted eggs at a modest pace.

Their feathers are not waterproof

Silkie fluff soaks up water and does not shed it. A Silkie caught in cold rain can get chilled fast. Give them a covered run, dry bedding and a coop without leaks. Mud is also hard on feathered feet. Keep the run dry so their toes and leg feathers do not cake with dirt, and check legs for scaly leg mites.

Crest care and vision

Big crests can block their view, which makes them jumpy and an easy target for hawks. Trim the feathers around the eyes if they seem to bump into things. Check the crest for lice and mites during your regular checks.

Health notes

Silkies are often said to be more prone to Marek's disease than many breeds. Buying vaccinated chicks is a good idea. If a Silkie suddenly loses balance or has a paralyzed leg, talk to a vet.

Space and climate

Silkies are bantam-sized in the US, so they need less room than standard breeds. Low roosts or no roosts at all work, since many prefer to sleep in a pile on the floor. They handle cold well when dry. Heat is manageable with shade. Our Silkie vs Cochin comparison is useful if you want a fluffy bird but are not sure which.

Bearded and non-bearded

Silkies come bearded and non-bearded. Bearded birds have muffs of fluff around the face. Common colors include white, black, buff, blue, splash, partridge and gray, with lavender and others from breeders. Frizzled Silkies and Satin-type crosses are also popular.

Where to get them

Almost every hatchery sells Silkies, often straight run because they are notoriously hard to sex as chicks. Many owners do not know if they have a hen or rooster until it crows or lays. For show quality birds, look for breeders at poultry shows.

Common questions about Silkies

How can you tell a Silkie hen from a rooster?

It is hard when they are young. Roosters often have bigger combs, a swept-back crest and crow by a few months old. Laying is the only sure sign of a hen.

Do Silkies need a heated coop?

Not usually. A dry, draft-free coop is enough for most climates. Wet is the real enemy.

Can Silkies live with bigger chickens?

Yes, with calm breeds. Watch for bullying, and make sure they can reach food and water.