Buyer question
How long do Silkie poultry live?
Our Animal Library gives the Silkie poultry a lifespan of 7–9 years.
Source: the Silkie poultry page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Silkie poultry in the Animal Library
The detail
Silkies are an old Asian breed with fur-like feathers, black skin, five toes and a gentle nature. They are small, calm and famously broody, kept more as pets and mothers than for eggs, and they need protection from wet and cold.
- Hardiness
- 2 out of 5 (Not waterproof, cold-sensitive)
- Origin
- China
- Best fit
- Families, pet flocks
What to weigh
Silkie feathers are not waterproof, so they need dry shelter. Crests can block vision, and they are more prone to Marek's than many breeds, which makes vaccination important.