About the breed
Silkie is an ancient domestic chicken breed of Asian origin, most commonly associated with China. The exact place and time of its origin are unknown. One of the earliest European references dates back to the 13th century, when Marco Polo described unusual chickens he saw in Asia with soft, fluffy plumage. The breed takes its name from the structure of its feathers, which differ from typical chicken plumage and resemble silk. Silkies are characterized by dark skin and bones. They have five toes on each foot instead of the usual four. Hens of this breed have a strong brooding instinct and are often used to hatch chicks of other breeds.