Silkie Chicken
ExploreBirds
Silkie Chicken
Gallus gallus domesticus
Silkie chickens are fluffy and friendly birds that come in many colors. They are known for their soft feathers and sweet personalities, making them great pets for families!
Appearance
The Silkie Chicken has a distinct puffy, hair-like plumage that feels like silk, often covering their entire body including their feet. They typically sport a small, walnut-shaped comb and unique turquoise blue earlobes. Their skin, bones, and sometimes even their flesh are a surprising dark blue-black color.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderGalliformesFamilyPhasianidaeGenusGallus
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
48
Interesting facts
Beneath their fluffy feathers, their skin and bones are surprisingly dark blue-black.
Silkie Chickens have striking blue earlobes, which is very unusual for a bird!
Silkie feathers lack barbicels, making them soft and downy rather than stiff.
They are one of the few chicken breeds that naturally have five toes on each foot!
Special abilities
Ability
Broody Buddy
Silkie Chickens are super broody and can hatch eggs from many other bird species, helping them become adoptive parents.
Ability
Feathery Feet
Silkie Chickens have five toes on each foot, one more than most chickens, which helps them stay warm and stable.
Ability
Super Soft Shield
Silkie Chickens have downy, non-locking feathers that insulate them very well, keeping them cozy in cooler weather.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 25-30 cm
- Wingspan
- 35-45 cm
- Weight
- 0.8-1.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 7-9 years
- Top Speed
- 5 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 6-12
- Incubation
- 20-21 days
Diet & Feeding
These fluffy birds are omnivores, happily pecking at grains, insects, and leafy greens.
Primary Foods
- commercial chicken feed
- seeds
- insects
- worms
- leafy greens
- small fruits
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
depends on
Human
Homo sapiens
Humans care for and raise Silkie chickens as pets or for show.
eaten by
Red Fox
Vulpes vulpes
Red foxes may prey on Silkie chickens, especially in rural areas.
eats
Brown Rat
Rattus norvegicus
Rats can sometimes eat Silkie chicken eggs or young chicks.
eats
Common Earthworm
Lumbricus terrestris
Silkie chickens forage for and eat earthworms in the soil.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Domesticated
Domesticated refers to species that have been selectively bred and tamed by humans for specific purposes.
Also known as
SilkieSilky Bantam
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always be gentle and calm around chickens. They are friendly but can be scared easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Silkie Chicken?
The easiest way to identify Silkie Chicken is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Silkie Chicken?
25-30 cm
What is Silkie Chicken's wingspan?
35-45 cm
How much does Silkie Chicken weigh?
0.8-1.5 kg
How long does Silkie Chicken live?
7-9 years
How fast can Silkie Chicken move?
5 km/h
What does Silkie Chicken eat?
These fluffy birds are omnivores, happily pecking at grains, insects, and leafy greens.
How does Silkie Chicken hunt?
Foraging
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
May 26, 2026
Hickam Air Force Basei
Photo attribution
(c) Robin White, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Where to spot
Park30 sightings12 species
North Carolina, US
Andrews Geyser
You might spot Galax, Mountain Laurel, and Downy Rattlesnake Plantain.
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Park30 sightings12 species
Alabama, US
Attalla Downtown Historic District
You might spot Green Treefrog, Anole, and Thin-Walled Maze Polypore.
View guide →
Park29 sightings12 species
US
Downtown Miami Historic District
You might spot Brown Anole, Peters's Rock Agama, and Green Iguana.
View guide →
Park30 sightings12 species
Georgia, US
Fairview Historic District
You might spot Brown Anole, Northern Mockingbird, and Northern Cardinal.
View guide →
Park16 sightings12 species
Hawaii, US
Hawaii Capital Historic District
You might spot Red-Crested Cardinal and Zebra Dove.
View guide →
Park26 sightings12 species
Florida, US
Heathcote Botanical Gardens
You might spot Peters's Rock Agama, Brown Anole, and American Alligator.
View guide →
