Quick facts
| Adult hen weight | About 2 lb (bantam-sized) |
|---|---|
| Comb | Walnut |
| Eggs per year | ~110 |
| Shell color | Cream |
| Temperament | Docile, broody |
| Cold hardiness | Fair (not wet) |
| Heat tolerance | Fair |
About the Silkie
Black skin, black bones, blue earlobes, five toes, and fur instead of proper feathers — she can't fly and can't see through her own hairdo. Goes broody constantly and will mother anything, which makes her the flock's designated incubator. 10/10 with kids. Those fur-like feathers aren't waterproof, so she needs shelter from rain.
Cold and heat tolerance
Silkies are fair in cold, with one big condition: they must stay dry. The fluffy, hair-like feathers are not waterproof, so a wet Silkie in freezing weather is in trouble. Give her a roofed, draft-free coop and a covered run in northern winters, and keep her off muddy ground.
Heat is also only fair. She wears a lot of fluff in a small body, so in the South provide shade, cool water and airflow once temperatures pass 90 °F. The small walnut comb helps limit frostbite.
Eggs and laying
Silkies are not for egg numbers. Expect roughly 100–120 small cream eggs a year, starting later than most breeds. They go broody often and make excellent mothers, so many keepers use a Silkie to hatch eggs from other breeds.
Temperament and care
Docile, tame and very good with children, Silkies are the pet of the poultry world. They cannot fly, so give them a low roost and a gentle ramp. The crest can block vision, so trim it if needed and keep the run safe from hawks. In mixed flocks with larger breeds they can be bullied, so many keepers keep them with other gentle birds.
Who they're for
great with kids and visitors who want to pet something. Every flock is a sitcom cast — the Silkie is the cloud with feet.
Silkie FAQ
Do Silkies lay a lot of eggs?
No. Expect about 100–120 small cream eggs a year, and frequent broodiness.
Can Silkies live outside in winter?
Yes, if they stay dry. Their feathers are not waterproof, so they need a roofed, draft-free coop and a covered run.
Are Silkies good with children?
Yes. They are among the most docile and tame breeds.