bantam breed · China
Silkie
Fluffy, fur-like feathers, black skin, and five toes per foot. Famously gentle and persistent broody — many keepers raise Silkies specifically to hatch and raise other breeds' eggs.
| Size class | bantam |
|---|---|
| Weight (hen) | 3 lb (1.36 kg) |
| Weight (rooster) | 4 lb (1.81 kg) |
| Eggs per year | 100 |
| Egg color | cream |
| Egg size | small |
| Climate tolerance | All climates |
| Temperament | gentle |
| Goes broody | very often |
| Noise level | quiet |
| Beginner-friendly | Yes |
| Origin | China |
Is the Silkie right for your flock?
The Silkie is a bantam breed that's well-suited to first-time keepers. Hens lay around 100 cream eggs per year and tolerate most climates well.
Temperament: gentle. Broodiness: very often. Noise level: quiet. A reasonable choice for suburban yards.
What this breed needs
- Coop space: about 2 sq ft per bird inside the coop. Run the numbers for your specific flock size in the coop size calculator.
- Climate fit: adapts to a wide range of climates with no special accommodations.
- Eggs: a moderate layer — picked more for personality, looks, or broodiness than raw output.