Silkie Chickens
Silkie chickens, or "Silkies", are a quirky, cuddly, and utterly charming breed known for their soft, fluffy feathers and gentle personalities. They are one of the most unique backyard chicken breeds in Australia.
Whether you're a first-time chicken keeper or a seasoned poultry lover, Silkie chickens are one of the best breeds to add to your backyard flock. They’re small, friendly, and irresistibly adorable, with feathers that feel more like fur, and a look that often gets them mistaken for little walking pom-poms.
| Breed Name: | Silkie |
|---|---|
| Type: | Standard (we breed this) and Bantam |
| Origin: | Asia (Ancient Heritage Breed) |
| Temperament: | Exceptionally gentle, calm and friendly |
| Egg Production: | 100-120 small eggs per year |
| Egg Colour: | Cream or tinted |
| Hardiness: | Prefers dry, protected environments |
| Broodiness: | Very broody, excellent natural incubators |
| Best For: | Pets, kids, brooding eggs, exhibitors |
Why Choose Silkie Chickens?
Silkies are one of the most popular backyard chicken breeds in Australia, especially for families, hobby farms, and anyone who wants a bit of fun in the flock. Here’s why we love them:
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Extremely Friendly and Docile
Perfect for children and beginner chicken keepers
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Fluffy and Feathered From Head to Toe
Including adorable crests and feathered legs
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Excellent Mothers
Naturally broody and fantastic for hatching eggs
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Unique in Both Appearance and Behaviour
A true conversation-starter in any flock
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Available in a Wide Range of Colours
From classic white to rare and eye-catching shades
Silkie chickens aren’t just pretty faces, they are often considered one of the best pet chicken breeds, and their calm temperament makes them an easy addition to most flocks.
Standard vs Bantam Silkies in Australia
Unlike some countries where Silkies are only recognised as bantams, Australia recognises both standard and bantam Silkie varieties under the Australian Poultry Standards. Standard-sized Silkies are larger and heavier-bodied, while bantams are smaller and more compact.
Their unique feather structure gives them that trademark fluffy look, but also means they don’t fly and need a little extra protection from wet weather. Their calm, curious nature makes them easy to handle and some even enjoy being cuddled!
We often recommend Silkies as the best chicken breed for kids, thanks to their gentle temperament and low-maintenance needs.
Backyard Quality Silkie Chickens
Silkie chickens are a favourite in both backyard flocks and poultry shows. At The Poodle and The Hen, we specialise in standard-sized Silkies, bred for strength, size, temperament, and stunning feathering.
These birds are ideal for families, first-time chicken keepers, and those simply after unique and lovable additions to the flock. No matter your experience level, there’s a Silkie here with your name on it.
Silkies are one of the most popular chicken breeds for Australian backyards, especially in suburban areas. They don’t take up much space, they’re easy to contain, and they tend to get along with other gentle breeds.
Just keep in mind their feathers aren’t waterproof, so they’ll need shelter from rain and a dry coop to stay healthy and fluffy.
Silkies don’t thrive in very hot climates and can require extra maintenance as their fluffy feathers can collect dirt and grime easily which can create knots. We recommend trimming the feathers around their vents if this becomes a problem.
They also should be penned in dry, protected coops or cages if the weather is particularly wet or their outdoor environment is very muddy.
Silkies aren’t big foragers and won’t travel very far from their coop. This means their claws will need regular trimming as they won’t wear them down themselves like other free ranging breeds.
Buy Silkie Chickens in Australia
We breed and sell Silkie chicks, pullets, cockerels, and fertile eggs throughout the year, depending on availability. Our birds are raised with care on our farm, and we’re proud to support backyard chicken keepers across Australia with quality, healthy stock.
If you'd like first access to our range of Silkies, we recommend joining our poultry waitlist and subscribing to our mailing list. For specific enquiries or help choosing the right chicken breed, feel free to contact us, we’re always happy to chat chooks.