One of Our Focus Breeds

Silkies are an ornamental breed that originated in China, renowned for their unique fluffy feathering and gentle, docile nature. Their appearance can vary by country, as different regions have their own breed standards. Here at Her Chickies, we breed toward the American Standard of Perfection (SOP).

As an ornamental breed, Silkies are inconsistent and unreliable layers. They typically lay every two days but often take long breaks to brood. Their relentless determination to hatch eggs makes them some of the best mothers. I have yet to find a broody Silkie hen unwilling to follow through.

Silkies are also one of the best chicken breeds to own. They are extremely tolerant and often enjoy human interaction. Our Silkies at the farm will gather around our boots, demanding treats. Despite their sweet nature, I don’t recommend them—or any chicken—as ideal pets for children or first time chicken owners. In general, chickens are prey animals and spook easily. They also have sharp claws that can break the skin, making it easy to get hurt if they aren’t handled properly.

In addition, Silkies are very high maintenance compared to most chicken breeds. Their crests may need occasional trimming to keep their vision clear, and their nails often require clipping every few weeks. They also benefit from occasional baths to keep their fluffy feathers clean and free of dirt or mites. Since most Silkies are unaware of rain, they can easily get soaked, making a fully covered run and coop ideal for their living space. This ditzy nature can also make them more vulnerable to predators, so free ranging should only be done under close supervision.