Silkie icon

Silkie Bird

Egg incubator for hatching Silkie chicken eggs
Egg Incubator for Silkie Hatches

Keeps stable heat & humidity so chicks hatch more easily. Perfect for small flocks.

Get on Amazon
White Silkie chicken

Silkie Chicken

A small, gentle chicken with fluffy feathers, black skin, five toes, and a natural instinct to sit on eggs.
Last updated: —

Overview

Personality: Calm and friendly. Great with kids.
White Silkie bantam hen Eggs: About 80–120 small cream eggs a year. Love to go broody.
Size: Usually bantam (tiny) in the U.S. Some countries have larger ones.
Black Silkie chicken close-up Looks: Fluffy feathers, black skin, five toes, and blue earlobes.
Main use: Pets, hatching eggs, showing off. Not big egg layers.
Partridge Silkie hen History: Ancient Asian breed, now loved worldwide.

Traits & Colors

Silkies are easy to spot with their soft, fur-like feathers and dark skin. Many have beards and fluffy head crests that cover their eyes.

Common Colors

  • White, Black, Blue, Buff, Partridge, Splash (most common)
Note: Show standards differ depending on the country. Always check local rules if breeding for shows.

Care & Housing

Silkies are hardy as long as they stay dry. They need clean runs and safe, cozy homes.

Silkie outdoors in grass

Weather

Cold: fine if dry. Wet feet can freeze.
Hot: give shade, water, and airflow.

Vision

Big crests can block sight. Trim feathers if they can’t see well.

Black Silkie chicks

Roosts & Nests

Use low perches (12–18"). Provide roomy, low nest boxes.

Diet

AgeProteinFeedNotes
Chicks (0–6 wks)20–21%StarterMedicated starter helps in areas with coccidiosis.
Growers (6–18 wks)16–18%GrowerAdd grit if giving treats.
Hens (18+ wks)16%LayerGive oyster shell for strong eggshells. Keep treats under 10%.

Health

  • Marek’s disease: Vaccinate chicks if common in your area.
  • Parasites: Check fluffy spots and feet for mites/lice.
  • Feet: Keep runs dry. Mud hides injuries.
  • Predators: They can’t fly well, so strong fencing is a must.
Tip: Check weekly — clear eyes, clean nose, steady weight, clean feet and feathers.

Hatching

Silkies are natural mothers, but eggs can also be hatched in incubators. Chickens hatch in about 21 days.

Settings

  • Temp: 99.5°F (37.5°C) with fan
  • Humidity: 40–50% first 18 days; 65–70% last 3 days
  • Turn: at least 3× daily until day 18

Check eggs

Candle at day 7 and 14. Remove eggs that don’t develop.

Tips

Let shipped eggs rest before setting. Always check your tools are accurate.

Behavior

Silkies are calm, friendly, and social chickens. They are known for their gentle nature and make excellent companions, which is why they are often chosen as pets for families with children. Hens go broody frequently and are famously attentive mothers, making them valuable for hatching eggs of their own and even other poultry species.

Because Silkies cannot fly well, they are ideal for small yards, urban flocks, and secure backyard coops. They tend to integrate peacefully with other gentle breeds but may be vulnerable to more aggressive chickens due to their calm temperament and limited vision from their fluffy crests. Providing safe housing, plenty of interaction, and keeping them dry will ensure they thrive in almost any environment.

FAQ

Are Silkies good for beginners?

Yes! They’re easygoing and friendly. Just keep them dry and safe.

When do they lay eggs?

Usually between 5–8 months old, but it can vary.

Can they live with other chickens?

Yes, but pair with gentle breeds. Avoid aggressive large chickens.

Do they handle cold?

Yes, if dry and out of drafts. Good ventilation is better than heaters.

Glossary

  • Barbicels: Hooks that hold feathers together. Silkies don’t have them, so they look fluffy.
  • Broody: A hen wanting to sit on eggs until they hatch.
  • Candling: Shining a light in an egg to see growth.
  • Fibromelanosis: Black skin and bones.
  • Pullet/Cockerel: Young female/male chicken under 1 year.

Sources

Photo: SilkieChicken.jpg