I have raised chickens for a few years now, but I added silkie chicks in February from my friends @tractorsupply. It’s been a joy watching them grow and bonding with their sweet personalities. Each one has its charm, and while I have my favorites—like Babs, the cross-beaked Silkie—they are all pretty chill and super sweet. Here’s why you can’t go wrong with this breed.
Here are 5 fun facts about Silkie chickens:
1️⃣ Fluffy Feathers: Silkies have unique, fluffy feathers that feel more like fur. This distinct appearance is due to a lack of barbicels in their feathers, which normally help hold feather strands together.
2️⃣ Black Skin and Bones: Unlike other chickens, Silkies have black skin, bones, and meat. This trait, known as fibromelanosis, is part of what makes them so unique.
3️⃣ Five Toes: While most chickens have four toes, Silkies have five on each foot. This extra toe adds to their quirky and endearing appearance.
4️⃣ Great Pets: Known for their calm and friendly nature, Silkies make great pets. They enjoy being handled and often form strong bonds with their owners.
5️⃣ Broody Hens: Silkie hens are known for being excellent mothers. They often go broody and are very dedicated to hatching and raising chicks, making them ideal for those looking to expand their flock naturally.
Silkies are truly a delightful breed to raise, with their unique looks and gentle demeanor. Whether you’re new to raising chickens or a seasoned poultry keeper, these fluffy friends are sure to bring joy to your flock and plus, they are just so dog on cute!
Share your experiences or questions in the comments below! 🐔❤️
#silkiechicken #chickenlover #chickenmama #farmlife #FarmingAfter50
Note: I get this question a lot so I have started including this with our chicken content. We feed Kalmbach feeds and care for our chickens with supplies from Eaton Pet & Pasture. (Code bombdiggity for 20% off if you want to try them!) You will often hear us talk about their products because we actually use them. We also purchase supplies for the farm from Tractor Supply