We're Obsessed With Fluffy Silkie Butts (and you should be, too!)

Why We’re Obsessed with Silkie Chickens (And You Should Be Too) The fluffiest chicken in the world is more than just a pretty face.

If you’ve ever come across a Silkie chicken, you know they’re impossible to forget. Covered in soft, fur-like feathers, crowned with poofy crests, and flaunting feathered feet, they look like they stepped straight out of a fantasy novel. But there’s more to Silkies than meets the eye.

In the world of backyard chickens, Silkies are the sweethearts — adored by beginners and breeders alike. Here's why these quirky fluffballs deserve a spot in your coop (and your heart).

The Softest Chicken You’ll Ever Cuddle

Silkies aren’t just cute. Their unique feather structure lacks barbicels — the tiny hooks that hold feather strands together — which gives them their signature soft, fluffy appearance. It’s more like bunny fur than bird feathers.

They come in a variety of colors (black, white, blue, buff, splash, partridge, and more), but all Silkies share the same telltale traits: dark skin, black bones, five toes (instead of the usual four), and a mulberry-colored walnut comb.

We’re not saying they’re magical... but they might be.

Gentle, Broody, and Lovably Weird

Temperament is where Silkies shine. Known for their calm and cuddly nature, they’re fantastic with kids and make excellent starter chickens. They’re often described as more pet than poultry.

Silkie hens are legendary mothers — they’ll go broody often and raise any chick they can sneak under their wings. Need a dependable hatcher for fertile eggs? Silkie to the rescue.

Perfect for Small Spaces

Silkies are bantams, meaning they’re smaller than standard chickens. That makes them ideal for backyard setups, urban homesteads, and even indoor coops (yes, chicken diapers are a thing). They’re also relatively quiet — perfect for neighbors who may not share your love of early morning crowing.

They do best in dry, draft-free environments since their fluffy feathers aren't waterproof. But give them a clean coop and some safe outdoor time, and they’ll thrive.

One Silkie, Two Silkie… Wait, Is That a Rooster?

Here’s the tricky part: Silkies are notoriously difficult to sex based on appearance. You can’t rely on comb size or feather shape. Many people raise their chicks for months before realizing their “hen” is actually a rooster.

That’s where DNA testing comes in.

At Affordable Avian DNA Testing, we specialize in fast, accurate gender testing for Silkies — even at just a few days old. No guesswork. No surprises. Just a tiny drop of blood or feather sample and you’ll know exactly what you’re working with.

✔️ Order your Silkie DNA Sexing Kit here (and from 6/7/25 through 6/15/25 use code BIRDDAD15 to save 15% off your whole order- even subscriptions!) ✔️ Step-by-step sample collection guide included

Planning your flock is so much easier when you know what you’re raising.

Why We’ll Always Have a Soft Spot for Silkies

Silkies aren’t just another pretty chicken. They’re personable, peaceful, and a little bit magical. They bring joy to kids, calm to busy adults, and fluff to flocks that need a little personality boost.

Whether you're raising them for eggs (yes, they lay — though not heavily), companionship, profit, for show, or simply because they’re adorable, Silkies will never disappoint.

Thinking of adding a Silkie to your flock? Make sure you’re prepared — starting with a reliable DNA gender test so your dream hen doesn’t surprise you with a morning crow.