Silkie Chickens: A Fascinating Breed – Featuring Foofy from The Spirit Tree Sanctuary

The Spirit Tree animal sanctuary is now home to Foofy, a chocolate Silkie chicken.  

What Makes Silkie Chickens So Special? 

Silkie chickens are unlike any other poultry breed. What sets them apart is their feathers that look like fur because they lack the little, tiny hooks called barbicels that common feathers have. That results in feathers that don’t look like feathers at all.  

Silkies do possess other quite distinctive traits: 

• Dark skin and bones (Fibromelanosis, caused by a mutation hundreds of years ago) they share this trait with other breeds like Mystic Onyx and Ayam Cemani. 

• Blue earlobes 

• Five toes on each foot, rather than the usual four 

• A calm, friendly temperament, making them ideal for educational and therapeutic settings 

A Historical Glimpse 

Silkie chickens were selectively bred in China, centuries ago.  Marco Polo is said to have described a “furry chicken” back in the 13^th century. Early Dutch farmers apparently claimed silkies were a mix between rabbit and chicken. By the 18^th century, these birds were considered exotic and prized possessions of those well-to-do who had aviaries, like Queen Victoria of Great Britain. In some Asian countries though, they were considered “medicinal.”  

Basic Care and Lifespan 

Silkies are not difficult to take care of with some caveats. They live 7 to 9 years, though some may live longer in ideal conditions. Their diet is no different from any other poultry. 

The feathers of Silkies are very fluffy but hardly waterproof. They need all the care you’d give regular chickens plus dust baths and grooming. Silkies require even more protection from predators, because they’re even more vulnerable (fluffier and less aggressive? Do the math.)  

Foofy enjoys a clean and protected enclosure at The Spirit Tree Sanctuary.  

Curious Facts About Silkie Chickens 

• Silkies have feathered feet that resemble slippers. 

• They are exceptional mothers — Silkies often hatch and raise chicks, even from other breeds.  

• Their black bones and skin are considered a delicacy in some cultures and have traditional medicinal uses. 

Why We Celebrate Silkies at The Spirit Tree 

At The Spirit Tree, our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing environment for animals while educating the public about compassionate animal care and species diversity. Foofy, our chocolate Silkie, embodies the values we hold dear: gentleness, uniqueness, and the importance of empathy in animal-human relationships. 

We believe that learning about animals like Foofy helps foster a deeper connection to the natural world and teaches respect for all living creatures. 

While we do not host public visits, you can still be a part of Foofy’s story — and help us continue our mission. 

🧡 Your donations directly support: 

• Food, shelter, and enrichment for Fuffy and other rescued animals 

• Veterinary care and habitat maintenance 

• Educational content to teach empathy and animal care to broader audiences 

👉 [Click here to donate] and make a difference in the life of this very special Silkie chicken and her sanctuary family.