Satin Silkie chickens are a charming type of Silkie chicken with soft, smooth feathers reminiscent of satin.
This definitive guide will cover everything you should know about these Satin Silkies form a unique type of Silkie breed, created by crossing a Silkie with a bantam Cochin. delightful bantams. You will learn where they originated and the fact that they are a hybrid cross.
You will also see how they are different from “true” Silkies. We will discuss their sweet, friendly nature and why they would make a great addition to your family; their unique appearance.
You will also know about their laying habits; their life span; how to care for them to maximize their potential; and more! By the end, you will have a great understanding of how to care for these delightful birds in your backyard flock.
What are Satin Silkie Chickens?
Satin Silkies are a distinct type of the Silkie breed derived from crossbreeding the Silkie with a bantam Cochin.
A breeder first crossed a Cochin with a Silkie and then backcrossed the offspring to Silkies for several generations.
The genetic combination of the Silkie and the Cochin is where the Satin Silkies get their name – the ability to produce satin-like, smooth feathers while still retaining the hallmark Silkie puffy crest and furry appearance.
In essence, a Satin Silkie looks and acts like a Silkie, but has harder feathers rather than the fuzzy “silk” feathers of a Silkie.
They are still a small ornamental bantam that has a very soft plumage and a very gentle and friendly temperament.
Satin Silkie vs True Silkie Chickens
A Silkie has completely “silky” downy feathers (without barbicels), while a Satin Silkie has one or the other or none of the genes for fluffy feathers.
In practical terms, this means that Satin Silkies look like they have “normal” chicken feathers because they lie flat.
Unlike the feather texture, Satins have all the major characteristics of Silkies: five toes on each foot, black skin and bones, turquoise-blue earlobes, and the same quiet, docile temperament.
Both Satin and Silkies are small, have walnut combs, and can grow beards/muffs.
Because Satins are not a recognized breed by the APA, they usually show in “Silkie (Satin)” classes or as an auxiliary class at a poultry show.
Satin Silkies are indistinguishable from Silkies in looks or action, except that their feathers are shinier and smoother, and rather fluffy.
Also read: Ayam Cemain chicken breed
History of the Satin Silkies
Satin Silkies are a new breed of chicken, or “project breed.” The Satin Silkie’s history has only occurred over the past few decades.
In the late 20th century, Silkie enthusiasts wanted to preserve the cuteness of Silkies but wanted to improve the quality of the feathers, so they began crossing Silkies with Cochin bantams.
The original Satin Silkies were developed in places where Silkies were being raised (probably China or in Asian communities), but no records exist.
Breeders selectively developed Satin chickens without maintaining genetic ties to pure Silkies, cultivating the satin gene. These birds kept the same appearance as Silkies but carried satiny feathers instead of the traditional fluffy ones.
Because this work only occurred in the very recent past, Satin Silkies have been around only for “the last 20 or so years.”
They have never been recognized by the APA or ABA, so today, they remain classified as an unofficial Silkie variety or “project breed” (though breeders remain committed to obtaining formal recognition).
Satin Silkies possess modern American roots from Cochin/Silkie mating, based on original Silkie lineage in ancient China, but with a 20th-century twist.
Satin Silkie Recognized Varieties
No, Satin Silkies do not yet have an official breed standard, but they will come in all the colors and feather types found in Silkies.
Breeders usually raise Satin Silkies in the same color palette as traditional Silkies—black, white, blue (lavender), buff, partridge, splash, grey, and other APA-approved Silkie colors.
In addition to solid colors, you will see Satins in patterned (painted, splashed, mottled) and even rarer colors (such as a cuckoo or lavender cross) found in some small flocks.
Satin Silkies can be frizzled (curly-feathered) and “showgirl” (naked-neck) just like Silkies.
In short, anything that you can breed a Silkie to be, you can breed a Satin Silkie to be as well.
Since Satin Silkies are not officially in the APA standard yet, exotic colors and patterns may be just for fun and show.
Temperament of Satin Silkie Bantams
Satin Silkies are wonderfully docile, friendly hens. Calm and gentle by nature, many owners have noted that Satin Silkies enjoy the company of humans and appreciate being held – they are often referred to as ‘lap chickens.’
These wonderful birds will quietly cluck and even purr as they snuggle up to you. Their sweet and easy nature makes Satin Silkies perfect pets for families with children and for anyone looking for a gentle mate.
Satin Silkies also carry the strong maternal instinct of Silkies. Satin Silkie hens are willing to go broody, and they are very good mothers, happily sitting on eggs and caring for chicks.
The only thing they might lack is aggression, and typically, they fall to the bottom of the pecking order because of this.
When put into the mix with more aggressive breeds, Satin Silkies can be picked on by more bossy hens.
Overall, their personality is patient and friendly, and they make great companions for the backyard.
Satin Silkie Eggs: Color, Size, Count
Egg Color: Satin Silkies usually lay eggs that are cream or off-white. Occasionally, there will be eggs that have a soft pink tinted or a lighter brown color, but they are usually extremely light (white to cream color).
Egg Size: Since Satins are bantams, their eggs are naturally small-too small for an egg carton. In fact, they are about 75% the size of regular chicken eggs. Think about small, round ‘fairy eggs’.
Egg Count: These hens are light layers. You would expect approximately 2-4 eggs a week from an active and healthy Satin Silkie chicken, so when you do the math, it would work out to about 100-120 eggs or so a year. (Production normally peaks in the spring).
A healthy Satin Silkie laying more than that would be unusual, as Satins are simply not bred to be good egg-producing hens.
Laying Age: Satin Silkies are like other chickens, will not start laying until approximately 7-9 months of age, though some may take close to a year to start.
Satin Silkies are also great at going broody, which will suspend egg laying whenever they are ready to hatch.
The Lifespan of Satin Silkie Chickens
For their size, Satin Silkies can be long-lived birds. They tend to live an average of 7–9 years in most conditions with proper care.
Some Satin Silkies have been said to live from 10–12 years in good conditions, but that is probably the most they would expect to live.
As with all chickens, good nutrition, good shelter from extreme temperatures, and good care will allow a longer lifespan.
Appearance of Satin Silkie Chickens
Satin Silkies have a distinctly different “fluffy ball” appearance. Silkies are compact (round) with a generous amount of fluffy, soft plumage.
The head is adorned with a large crest of feathers and is often described as a pom-pom or “turban”. Satin Silkies can be bearded/muff, where the feathers come forward around their face, making a full beard/muff.
Underneath that fluffiness, they’re black or slate-colored skin and comb and turquoise-blue earlobes – like regular Silkies.
You’ll also notice their feet: Satin Silkies (along with all Silkies) have five toes on each foot instead of four. This odd number of toes is one of the defining characteristics of the breed.
Their feather texture is satin-like: they tend to glimmer/shimmer under light rather than shine. They are a smoother version of a normal Silkie’s off-white, fluffy down.
Satin Silkies come in all Silkie colors – black, white, blue, buff, partridge, splash, gray, etc. – and can even be frizzled or bred as naked-neck showgirls.
They are relatively lightweights, but the fluffy feathers can make them appear larger than they are; they’re still true bantams.
Also read: Naked-neck chicken breed
Satin Silkie Chicken Size and Weight
Satin Silkies are true bantams: they stay small and will never grow full-sized. Adult roosters typically weigh about 1.3 to 1.4 lb (600 to 650 g), hens 1.1 to 1.2 lb (500 to 550 g), and their crinkly feathers might contribute to that weight.
They usually look full and round; their rears are usually small and upswept like their tails.
Even with that weight, their large amount of feathering gives them an overall puffed-up appearance.
Roosters of large breeds can range in weight from 6–8 lb, thus making Satin Silky featherweights when compared to birds of larger breeds.
Additionally, they stand about 10– 12 inches in height. And, being a bantam comes with a tell-tale glance at their feet – they have an extra toe on each foot (five instead of four), again, this is an example of a classic part of their Silkie lineage.
Characteristics of Satin Silkie
Satin Silkies have all the quirks of Silkies but with silky plumage. They are characterized in four ways:
Gentle, Friendly Temperament: A calm, affectionate bird that enjoys human interaction. Silkies are patient and cooperate well when handled.
Excellent Mothers: The hens often go broody, sitting comfortably on the eggs. They will hatch their own eggs and even hatch the eggs of other chickens.
Poor Layer: Satin Silkies are not productive layers; they lay 2–4 eggs a week, so poor layers.
Limited Fly and Sight Ability: Satin Silkies are almost flightless, and their crests can obstruct their sight, making them vulnerable to predators.
Unique Appearance: They have a puffed-out crest, feathered feet, black skin and bones, turquoise earlobes, and five toes.
Bantam Size: They are small, stout, with compact build and short legs.
Soft, Down-shaped Feathers: The satin gene gives them glossy, smooth feathering.
Weather Sensitivity: Although they have a thick plumage, they are sensitive to dampness and cold and need a dry shelter.
10 Facts About Satin Silkie Chickens
Below are a few amazing facts about Satin Silkies:
- Satin Silkies were created by crossing a Silkie with a Bantam Cochin.
- All of the birds have smooth feathers that allow for a satin-like sheen.
- They have five toes per foot, like the Silkie.
- They have black skin and bones due to having fibromelanosis.
- They have bright turquoise-blue earlobes.
- They will lay about 100-120 tiny eggs a year.
- Most females will start laying eggs anywhere from 7-9 months old.
- Satin Silkies are notoriously broody and good mothers.
- Satin Silkies are considered “lap chickens,” thus they like to be held and will stay on your lap.
- They are not a recognized breed according to the APA (yet).
5 Reasons to Raise Satin Silkie Bantam Chickens
Below are a few amazing reasons to raise Satin Silkies:
Charming Companions: Silkies are sweet and social by temperament. They like to be around humans and can be very friendly. To have a Silkie recombust in your yard is like having your own happy little soft lap pet.
Extraordinary Appearance: There are few, if any, breeds that look like Silkies. Their puffed tiny heads, footed toes on their feet, and shiny iridescent feathers make them true show stoppers in any flock. Wherever you keep them, they turn “heads” and draw attention!
Excellent Mothers: Silkie hens are very broody; they are known to hatch their own eggs and the eggs of other breeds, even ducks!! If you want hatching to happen naturally, these are your girls!
Great for Small Spaces: Silkies, as bantams, do not take up much space. They fit well in small coops and run a bit like a starter dog for a tiny backyard, urban, or suburban. You will spend less on feed as well.
Easy to care for: Silkies are easy to care for and manage. They are calm, easy to handle, and do not need much encouragement to pick one up. This makes them an ideal breed for children, new chicken keepers, or anyone who wants a docile and friendly backyard presence.
Problems in Raising Satin Silkie Chickens
They are cute, but Satin Silkies have their limitations:
Low Egg Production: Because they lay only about 2-4 small eggs per week, they are low egg producers compared to other breeds.
Maintenance Concern with their Feathers: Satin Silkies require special maintenance primarily related to their feathers. Owners frequently need to trim feathers around the eyes so that they can see properly, and need to clean their feet to prevent wooden mud or droppings from building up.
Predator Issues: Satin Silkies cannot fly, and their vision is often blocked by feathers until their crests are trained down, so they are vulnerable to predators. They should be housed in secure runs.
Wet Weather Not Ideal: Due to the feather structure, Silkies do not dry out well. Because they tend to get wet, they will likely be chilled. They need housing that is dry and draft-free in winter and shade in summer.
Parasite Potential: The dense feathering gives ticks and lice a great place to hide. Owners should be sure to do regular inspections and also provide a dust bath.
Sexing early can be a challenge: There is a challenge in sexing Silkies—like other breeds, it is difficult to tell the two apart. This can cause issues if you are looking only for hens.
In spite of these drawbacks, most owners agree that the charm and companionship provided by Satin Silkies usually outweigh the challenges.
Tips to Raise and Care for Satin Silkie Chickens
Here are a few amazing tips to raise and take care of your Satin Silkies:
Provide Secure Housing: Ensure your coop and run are predator-proof. Hardware cloth and covered runs work best, since Satin Silkies cannot escape predators on their own.
Keep Them Dry: Moisture is their enemy. Always give them dry bedding and a well-roofed coop. In wet climates, covered runs are essential.
Low Roosts and Ramps: Satin Silkies cannot fly high, so keep roosts close to the ground and provide ramps to higher areas.
Regular Grooming: Trim feathers around their eyes and vents when needed. Check feathered feet for mud or ice buildup.
Balanced Diet: Feed them quality poultry feed with grit and oyster shell. Offer healthy treats like vegetables and mealworms in moderation.
Parasite Prevention: Provide dust baths and check regularly for lice and mites. Treat the coop and birds if needed.
Gentle Companions: Keep them with other docile breeds or only with other Silkies. Avoid housing them with aggressive chickens that may bully them.
Handle Them Often: Satin Silkies love attention. Regular handling keeps them tame and friendly.
FAQs About Satin Silkie Chickens
Q: What is a Satin Silkie chicken?
A: The Satin Silkie is a bantam chicken with smooth, satin-like feathers. The Satin Silkie has all the characteristics of a Silkie: five toes, black skin, blue earlobes, and feathers and plumage, but the Satin Silkie has normal feathers instead of the fluffy Silkie coat.
Q: How do Satin Silkies differ from Silkies?
A: In reality, there is only one difference – feather type. A Silkie has fluffy, fur-like plumage, whereas a Satin Silkie has smooth and glossy plumage. Aside from that, they are almost identical in size, temperament, and appearance.
Q: When do Satin Silkies begin to lay eggs?
A: Most hen Satin Silkies lay between seven and nine months but may take longer up to a year, depending on diet and environment.
Q: What color eggs do Satin Silkies lay?
A: Eggs are small and color ivory to off white. On occasion, the hen may lay an egg that is a light beige or pale brown.
Q: How many eggs will Satin Silkies produce?
A: Satin Silkies lay about 100-120 eggs per year, or approximately 2-4 eggs per week. They are not prolific layers, and broodiness affects production greatly.
Q: What is the life expectancy of Satin Silkies?
A: Under proper care, Satin Silkies will generally have a life expectancy of 7-9 years. However, some Satin Silkies have gone on to live longer, given the right care.
Q: Are Satin Silkies good for beginners?
A: Absolutely! Satin Silkies are great for beginners. They are docile, friendly, and easy to handle, which makes them terrific for families with children, as well as for first-time chicken owners.
Q: Do Satin Silkie roosters crow?
A: They crow, but not as loudly as larger roosters. The crow of a Satin Silkie is softer and not as piercing, which makes keeping them in a suburban backyard possible.
Q: Can Satin Silkies live with other breeds?
A: Yes. However, it is best to mix them with other gentle or docile breeds. Although a Satin Silkie is not an active facilitator of aggressive chickens will see them as an easy target due to their temperament.
Q: How much do Satin Silkies cost?
A: The price of Satin Silkies will vary based on quality and color. Pet-quality Satin Silkie chicks may go for $5-15 each. Show-quality or rare colors can go for $20-50 or higher.
Summary
Satin Silkies are a cute and distinctive breed of chicken to add to a flock. They have the same silky feel of feathers, five toes, black skin, and sweet temperament of Silkies, but they have a wonderful lustre to their feathers.
Satin Silkie hens are not great layers, but their sweet personalities, ornamental beauty, and mothering abilities more than make up for it.
They can be more demanding of your attention in care (secure housing, grooming attention, protection from predators), but Satin Silkies will give you years of companionship and joyful experiences.
If you are a beginner, are families with kids, or are just a hobbyist that loves beautiful chickens, Satin Silkies will be a worthwhile investment.
