SILKIE CHICKEN

The Silkie is a breed of Domestic Chicken named for its unusually fluffy feathers, which are structured more like down feathers than normal exterior feathers. This makes the feathers feel especially soft and helps keep the chickens warm.

Silkie Chickens are relatively small chickens, with males weighing about 4 pounds and females weighing about 3 pounds. They can live 7-9 years.

This breed was developed through selective breeding in ancient China. They are popular as pets due to their calm temperament. They are also kept as brooding chickens, or chickens that will sit on and incubate eggs for other species.

The Silkie Chicken breed has several other unusual qualities, including black and bluish skin and bones, turquoise-blue earlobes and an extra toe on each foot. Most chickens only have four toes but Silkie Chickens often have five.