The Avian Gallery

Silkie Chickens

Downy clouds of porcelain

Cloaked in fur-like feathering and crowned with a regal crest, the Silkie feels more mythological than agricultural. Dark skin and a velvet touch make each one a tactile marvel. Silkie chickens originated in ancient Asia, with the most well-documented point of origin being ancient China (specifically regions like the Jiangxi Province) dating back as early as 200 BCE during the Han Dynasty. Other Southeast Asian locations like India and Java have also been suggested, but China remains the primary historical source.

Fur-like plumage
Dark skin & crest
Calm, ornamental

Varieties

SilkiesSmooth SatinsFrizzled SilkiesFrizzles

Timeline of Silkie History

200 BCE	Early records and traditional Chinese texts note the presence of black-boned, fluffy chickens used for food and medicine.
13th Century	Venetian explorer Marco Polo provided the earliest surviving Western written account of a "furry" or wool-like chicken during his travels through Asia.
1598	Italian naturalist Ulisse Aldrovandi published a comprehensive description of "wool-bearing chickens" in Europe.
1874	The breed made its way West via trade routes and was officially recognized by the American Poultry Association in its Standard of Perfection.

Officially Recognized APA Colors

The American Poultry Association (APA) officially recognizes eight approved color varieties for Silkie chickens. These recognized colors are split between the two recognized classes: Bearded and Non-Bearded.

Officially accepted into the APA Standard of Perfection include:

BlackBlueBuffGrayPartridgeSelf-Blue (Lavender)SplashWhite

Common Non-Approved Colors

There are many beautiful, popular Silkie colors frequently bred by enthusiasts that are not currently accepted by the APA for standard show classes. These include:

PaintApproved by the American Bantam Association (ABA), but not yet by the APA
Cuckoo
Red
Chocolate

Additionally, any of these Silkies can have a "Showgirl" or naked neck.

Price List

Chicks (under 2 weeks)	$25–$35
Older chicks	$40–$75
Sexed pullet	$85
Rare colors & breeder birds	up to $400

Current availability: from newly hatched chicks to pullets and cockerels.

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Photo Album

Studio portrait of a Silkies against a black background — Silkies

Studio portrait of a Frizzled Silkies against a black background — Frizzled Silkies

Studio portrait of a Smooth Satins (Buff) against a black background — Smooth Satins (Buff)

Studio portrait of a Frizzles against a black background — Frizzles

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