Silkie
Sweet nature and often great mums, but they are not weatherproof. Keep dry, manage mud, watch for mites.
Ratings
Use ratings to compare breeds quickly — then meet birds in person.
Best for
- Families who want calm handling (with supervision).
- Smaller gardens — as long as you still build a secure, generous run.
Watch outs
- Higher maintenance: more cleaning, more mud management, and more parasite vigilance.
- High broodiness can reduce egg laying and create management headaches.
Housing & run notes (UK reality)
This breed will only look “easy” if your setup is.
- Start with space. Bigger runs reduce bullying and boredom for every breed (including “friendly” ones).
- Ventilation beats warmth. Damp + ammonia causes respiratory problems faster than cold weather.
- Plan for mud. UK winters turn runs into sludge unless you design drainage, roofing, or rotation.
- Have a quarantine plan. New birds and rescues need separation to protect your existing flock.
Temperament & handling
Friendliness is rated 5/5. That’s a “typical” vibe — not a promise. Handling improves when birds feel safe, have space, and get consistent calm interactions.
| Kid‑friendly? | Yes (typically) |
|---|---|
| Noise level | 2/5 (Hens can still do an ‘egg song’.) |
| Broodiness | Very high (can reduce laying during broody spells) |
| Upkeep effort | 5/5 (cleaning + parasites + mud management) |
Eggs & care expectations
Want to avoid most health drama? Dial in nutrition basics + routine checks early.
Quick FAQ
Is Silkie a good breed for beginners?
Usually not a beginner breed. Start with calmer, hardier, lower‑maintenance birds, then add this type later.
What egg colour do they lay?
Typical egg colour is Tinted (but shade varies by line, diet and age).
Are they good with children?
Typically yes, especially with consistent gentle handling and good run space — but children still need supervision and ‘no grabbing’ rules.
Do they go broody?
Broodiness is listed as Very high. When hens go broody they can stop laying and become very determined. Plan how you’ll manage it.
