Silkie Chicken

Silky and Sociable

Soft, fluffy, and full of charm, Silkie chickens are easy to spot with their unique plumage and feathered legs.

Willowbank has been breeding Silkies for over 20 years, helping protect their special traits and friendly, social nature, one of the many ways we celebrate rare and remarkable breeds.

Silkie Chickens

Found In

China

Believed to have originated in China, Silkie chickens have a long history of domestication. Today, they are found worldwide on farms, backyard flocks, and poultry shows, prized for their unique appearance and friendly nature.

Habitat

Sheltered Enclosures

Silkie chickens thrive in backyards, small farms, and sheltered enclosures. They prefer areas with safe, dry coops and outdoor space to roam, where they can forage, dust-bathe, and interact with other chickens in a secure environment.

Diet

Omnivore

Omnivores, feeding on grains, seeds, insects, fruits, and vegetables, they enjoy foraging outdoors and benefit from a balanced diet to stay healthy, active, and maintain their distinctive fluffy feathers.

Behaviour

Gentle & Social

Silkie chickens are gentle, calm, and social, often forming close bonds with other chickens and humans. They are curious, enjoy foraging and dust-bathing, and are particularly known for their broody nature, often making attentive mothers.

Size

Small

Small to medium sized, adults typically weigh 1–2 kg. Their compact body and fluffy plumage make them appear even smaller, adding to their distinctive, charming appearance.

Life Span

7-9 years

Silkie chickens typically live 7–9 years, with some individuals reaching up to 10 years in well-managed backyard or farm environments.

Conservation Status

Not at Risk

Silkie chickens are not considered at risk. They are widely kept worldwide in backyard flocks, small farms, and poultry shows, with breeding programs helping to maintain the breed’s distinctive characteristics.

Willowbank Location