Chickens with feathered feet are a captivating sight in the poultry world. The feathers on their feet not only add to their charm but also serve a significant purpose in their lives.
This article explores seven different types of chicken with feathered feet. All of the chickens on this list will be discussed in detail, covering aspects such as appearance, temperament, care, and egg production.
Whether you’re a seasoned poultry keeper or a beginner, this guide will help you understand these birds better and perhaps even help you choose one of these breeds as your next feather-footed friend.
Top 7 Chicken Breeds With Feathered Feet
1. Silkie Chicken
| Purpose: | Ornamental |
| Adult Weight: | Rooster: 2.2–3.3 lbs (1–1.5 kg); Hen: 1.5–2 lbs (0.7–0.9 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 100–120 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | White, cream |
| Egg Size: | Small |
The Silkie chicken, with its unique appearance and friendly nature, is one of the most popular chicken breeds.
These beautiful feather-legged chickens, small in size and covered in fluffy feathers from head to toe, are known for their docile temperament and excellent mothering skills.
Appearance
Silkie chickens are known for their fluffy, soft feathers that resemble silk, hence the name. Underneath all that fluff, Silkies have black skin and bones.
They have a distinctive appearance with a crest of feathers on their head that looks like a pom-pom. They also come in a wide variety of colors, including red, buff, black, white, splash, lavender, and partridge.
Furthermore, Silkies have black eyes and a short, broad beak that is blue-gray in color. They have feathers on their outer two toes, and their feet have five toes instead of the usual four found in chickens.
Temperament and Behavior
Silkie chickens have a docile, calm, and friendly nature. They are great with kids and make good pets. They get along well with people and will even follow their owners around and interact with them.
Despite their calm demeanor, Silkies can be quite territorial and aggressive towards strangers. However, this varies among individual chickens.
Care
Silkies are relatively easy to care for. They are hardy and can live for as long as 9 years with proper care. However, Silkie chickens are more susceptible to mites and lice due to their fluffy feathers, so regular checks are necessary.
Their feathers around the eyes may need trimming to help them see better. Also, the fluff at their rear end might need trimming for hygiene and breeding purposes.
Furthermore, Silkies can’t stand wetness, so they need to be towel-dried or even blown-dried if they get really wet.
Watch this video if you’re new to chicken keeping and want to learn the basics of raising and caring for chickens:
Egg Production
Silkies are not the most productive chickens in terms of laying eggs. They lay about 120 eggs per year, which equates to about three eggs per week. The eggs are small and range in color from cream to tinted.
Although Silkies produce fewer eggs, they are well-known for being excellent mothers and are frequently used to hatch other eggs. In most cases, a broody Silkie hen will accept whatever eggs you put under it.
2. Sultan Chicken
| Purpose: | Ornamental |
| Adult Weight: | Rooster: 4.4–6 lbs (2–2.7 kg); Hen: 4–4.8 lbs (1.8–2 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 50–100 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | White |
| Egg Size: | Small |
Another fascinating breed of chicken with feathered feet is the Sultan chicken, known for its regal name and striking appearance. These stunning birds are originally from Turkey and were featured in royal gardens.
Appearance
Sultan chickens are known for their distinctive physical appearance. They are one of the smallest chicken breeds on this list.
They are distinguished by their long, flowing feathers, which are often white but can sometimes be blue or black.
Aside from the trademark crest and tuft of feathers on their head, the most notable feature of this breed is its five toes, which is more than any other chicken. This attribute is thought to be the result of a genetic mutation.
Sultans are also characterized by their relatively small size, usually reaching only 4 to 6 pounds. And if that is not yet small enough for you, they also come in a bantam variety, which you can check out in this list of bantam chicken breeds.
Temperament and Behavior
The docile nature of Sultan chickens is well known, and they do well in small spaces. They are friendly and low-maintenance chickens, making them a great choice for those looking for a pet chicken.
Sultans are not particularly active or energetic birds. They tend to be stationary and may not be as inclined to forage or explore compared to other breeds.
Care
Sultan chickens require special care and attention due to their large crests and fluffy feathers. They are susceptible to a number of health problems, including respiratory problems and heat stress.
Their thick feathers and feathered feet can harbor parasites, which can cause skin irritation and feather loss. Despite these drawbacks, with proper care, Sultan chickens can make a lovely addition to any flock.
Egg Production
While Sultan chickens are not excellent egg layers, they can produce around 50 to 100 eggs per year. The eggs are medium-sized and have a rich white color.
Due to their small stature, heavily feathered crests, and beards, Sultans may have reduced energy and focus on egg-laying.
They are more inclined to be broody, meaning they have a natural tendency to want to incubate and hatch eggs rather than consistently lay them.
3. Cochin Chicken
| Purpose: | Ornamental |
| Adult Weight: | Rooster: 8–13.2 lbs (3.6–6 kg); Hen: 7–11 lbs (3.2–5 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 150–180 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Brown |
| Egg Size: | Medium |
The Cochin chicken, known for its impressive size and abundant feathering, is one of the most popular chickens with feathered feet.
Originating from China, these chickens are not just visually appealing but also have a friendly disposition.
Appearance
Cochin chickens are known for their large size and abundant feathering, which gives them a fluffy appearance. They have fully feathered legs and feet, which often hide their toes from view.
Moreover, Cochin chickens come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, buff, partridge, cuckoo, and white.
They have a single, five-point comb, golden yellow eyes, and a beak that varies in color depending on the overall color of the bird.
Temperament and Behavior
Because of their calm and friendly nature, Cochin chickens are a great choice for families and those new to raising chickens. Even the roosters are known for their mellow temperament.
They prefer to stay on short grass and won’t normally go near taller plants unless absolutely necessary. This is because longer vegetation can damage the feathers on their legs.
This holds true for all their varieties, including the smaller Cochin Bantam, sometimes called Pekin Bantam.
Care
Cochin chickens are prone to obesity due to their large size and tendency to be less active. Due to their thick plumage, they also require regular checks for external parasites like lice and mites.
Moreover, these feathered feet chickens are prone to bumblefoot, a condition caused by injuries to the foot. Thus, it’s best to keep their roosts near the ground to prevent injuries from jumping.
Egg Production
Producing around 150 to 180 eggs per year, Cochin chickens are not known for being prolific egg layers. Their eggs are small to medium in size and brown in color.
That said, Cochin chickens make great mothers and are often broody. Their feathered feet provide a cozy nest environment for eggs and help keep them well-insulated.
4. Brahma Chicken
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Adult Weight: | Rooster: 8.8–12 lbs (4–5.4 kg); Hen: 6–9 lbs (2.7–4.1 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 150–200 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Brown |
| Egg Size: | Large |
The Brahma chicken, often referred to as the King of Chickens, is one of the largest chicken breeds and stands out due to its size and beautiful feathered feet.
Originating from Asia, these chickens are not only known for their size but also for their calm temperament and hardiness.
Appearance
Brahma chickens are one of the largest breeds with feathered legs. They are known for their feathered feet, which add to their distinctive look. Brahma chickens come in three recognized feather patterns: light, dark, and buff.
Each pattern is unique and intricate, adding to the visual appeal of these chickens. They have dense, compact plumage, making them well-suited for colder climates.
Temperament and Behavior
Despite their imposing size, Brahmas are known for their gentle and calm demeanor. They are not known to be aggressive and generally get along well with other chickens.
The Brahma chicken breed is a quiet bird that does not make much noise. As long as they have some space to roam, they’ll do fine even in an urban setting.
Care
Brahma chickens require a bit more care compared to other breeds due to their size and feathering. Their large size means they consume more feed, and their dense feathering makes them more susceptible to lice and mites.
Special attention needs to be paid to their feathered feet, especially in wet or muddy conditions. Despite these considerations, Brahma chickens are generally robust and have good overall health.
Egg Production
Like other large chickens, Brahma chickens were initially bred for meat, although they are also decent egg layers.
A Brahma hen can produce 3 to 4 eggs per week. Their eggs are medium to large in size and brown in color.
Interestingly, they prefer to lay from October to May, a time when many other breeds reduce their egg production.
5. Faverolle Chicken
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Adult Weight: | Rooster: 8.8–11 lbs (4–5 kg); Hen: 7.5–9.4 lbs (3.4–4.3 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 180–240 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Brown, pink |
| Egg Size: | Medium |
The Faverolle chicken is a unique breed that originated in France and is a standout in the world of chickens.
Known for their feathered feet and a variety of colors, they are beautiful chickens that are as charming as they are unique.
Appearance
Faverolles are known for their distinct appearance. They have a robust body covered with thick feathers, including feathers on their feet.
They are beautiful chickens that come in a variety of colors, but the most common is a mix of white, black, and salmon.
Temperament and Behavior
Faverolle chickens are incredibly friendly. They are known for their calm and gentle nature, making them great pets for households with children.
Despite their large size, they are not aggressive and will get along well with other breeds in your flock.
Care
Caring for Faverolles is quite straightforward. They are tough birds that can adapt to various climates. However, as I added these beautiful chickens to my backyard coop, I realized their unique care needs as well.
When I acquired them, I started to clean their coop more regularly to prevent dirt from clinging to their leg feathers.
I also needed to regularly check for any signs of discomfort or disease, which were crucial due to their feathered feet. Despite this, I found the process incredibly easy as their docile nature made it a pleasant experience.
Egg Production
When it comes to egg production, Faverolle chickens are reliable layers. They produce a good number of eggs, typically laying light brown to pinkish eggs.
While Faverolles can be used for meat production, they are not typically raised specifically for that purpose.
They have relatively smaller body sizes compared to some other meat-focused breeds but nonetheless still produce fine meat.
6. French Maran Chicken
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Adult Weight: | Rooster: 7.7–8.8 lbs (3.5–4 kg); Hen: 5.5–6.6 lbs (2.5–3 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 150–200 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Dark brown |
| Egg Size: | Large |
A breed hailing from France and known for their dark brown eggs, the French Maran has feathered feet. These types of chickens are a must-have for those who appreciate a colorful egg basket.
Appearance
French Maran Chickens are a sight to behold. They are large chickens, with the males weighing up to 8 pounds. They come in a variety of colors, but the Black Copper variety is the most sought-after.
They’re one of the chickens that don’t have crests on their heads. They sport the usual vivid red single comb, wattles, and earlobes, giving them a classic chicken look.
Temperament and Behavior
Marans are not primarily known for their obedience, but their behavior varies from one chicken to another. They have a reputation for being protective of their flock but are not overly aggressive.
They are cold-hardy, but they don’t tolerate heat very well. Despite this, they adapt well to confined spaces and can thrive in a variety of environments.
Care
Caring for Marans is similar to caring for other chicken breeds. They need a balanced diet, clean water, and a safe and comfortable coop.
They are hardy birds but still need protection from extreme weather conditions, predators, and diseases.
Regular checkups and preventative care like vaccinations and parasite control can help keep them in good shape.
Egg Production
Marans are good layers, producing about three large eggs per week. But what sets them apart is the color of their eggs.
Marans are known as chocolate eggers because of their deep chocolate brown eggs. The eggs of the Black Copper variety are usually the darkest, making them highly sought after.
7. Booted Bantam
| Purpose: | Ornamental |
| Adult Weight: | Rooster: 1.6–1.8 lbs (0.7–0.8 kg); Hen: 1.4–1.6 lbs (0.6–0.7 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 150–180 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | White, cream |
| Egg Size: | Small |
Also known as the Dutch Booted Bantam, the Booted Bantam chicken is a captivating breed known for its distinctive feathered feet and small size.
Apart from being visually stunning, these chickens are also known for their charming personality, which makes them a favorite among poultry enthusiasts.
Appearance
Booted Bantam chickens are a sight to behold. They are small in size, but their beauty is unmatched.
Their most striking feature is the feathers around their feet that make them look like their wearing boots, hence the name. They have a single comb, and their plumage comes in various colors of up to 20 varieties.
Temperament and Behavior
These chickens are beloved for their friendly and docile nature. They are easy to handle and are often a favorite among children.
Despite their small size, they are quite active and enjoy foraging. These birds love to fly and are excellent fliers.
Their calm demeanor makes them a good choice for a peaceful backyard flock.
Care
Booted Bantam chickens require minimal effort when it comes to upkeep. They are hardy birds that adapt well to various climates.
My grandfather used to keep this breed in his chicken farm, and what I noticed about them is how much they enjoy a nice dust bath as much as other chicken breeds do.
Then I can fondly remember how my grandpa routinely inspected these Booted Bantams for parasites such as mites, lice, and other pests that might not come off during their dust bath – a healthy practice that I replicated in my own coop.
Furthermore, deworming these birds on a regular basis is essential, especially if you plan to keep them in an environment with people and other pets.
Egg Production
When it comes to egg production, don’t let their small size fool you. Booted Bantam chickens are consistent layers, providing a steady supply of small-sized eggs.
Their eggs are a delightful addition to any egg basket, adding variety in size and color.
Why Do Chickens Have Feathered Feet?
The primary function of feathers on the feet and legs of chickens is to provide insulation. This extra layer of protection helps to keep the chickens warm, especially in colder climates.
The feathers act as a barrier, trapping heat and shielding the chicken’s feet from the cold ground. This is particularly beneficial for chickens that are kept in regions with harsh winters.
However, having feathered feet does come with its own set of challenges. Chickens with this trait require additional care and attention.
The feathers can easily collect dirt and debris, and if not cleaned regularly, can lead to potential health issues. Thus, chicken owners need to ensure their feather-footed chickens are kept clean and dry.
In addition to their practical function, feathers on the feet also add to the aesthetic appeal of chickens. They contribute to various colors and patterns seen in different breeds, making each one unique.
Whether it’s the long feathers that cover their feet and legs or the fluffy feathers that give them a distinctive appearance, feathered feet certainly add a touch of charm to these backyard chickens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Black Chicken Has Feathers on Their Feet?
Several black chicken breeds have feathers on their feet. These include the Silkie, Cochin, Australorp, Langshan, and Black Copper Marans.
Silkies are small chickens known for their fluffy appearance and feathered feet. Meanwhile, Cochins are large, silky chickens, also with feathered feet.
Australorps, while not having as many feathers on their feet, have extremely fluffy thighs, giving the impression of feathered feet.
Langshan chickens, with their greenish-black feathers and tiny feathered feet, offer a unique look among chicken breeds.
Lastly, Black Copper Marans, though not entirely black, have a rich copper color on top of a fluffy, black body and black feathered legs.
Do Ameraucanas Have Feathered Feet?
Ameraucana chickens do not have feathered legs and feet. Like most other chicken breeds, they have clean, unfeathered feet with scales.
The color of their legs and feet varies depending on the color of their feathers, although they are typically blue or gray. This characteristic applies to both the standard-size Ameraucana and the smaller bantam Ameraucana.
What Are the Red Chickens With Feathers on Their Feet?
The Red Cochin Bantam is a notable red chicken breed with feathers on its feet. This breed is a color variety of the Cochin Bantam, a species of chicken that originated in China and is well-known for its feathered feet and legs.
Due to their unique and striking appearance, these chickens are often kept as pets or for exhibition purposes.
Do you have any thoughts or stories to share about these beautiful chicken breeds? Leave a comment below with your thoughts on feathered feet chickens.
