Fluffy Chickens
Fluffy chickens are characterized by their thick, large down feathers and varied plumage. Chickens like the Silkie and Polish have distinct hair-like feathers that make them appear as if they are covered in fur. In addition to being fluffy, certain breeds may display unique traits like feathered feet or beard-like feathering.
List of Fluffy Chicken Breeds
The fluffy chicken breeds listed below are typically friendly and docile, often kept as pets.
| Breed | Size (in lbs) | Colors |
|---|---|---|
| Silkie | 2-3 | Black, Blue, Buff, Lavender, Paint, Partridge, Porcelain, Splash, and White |
| Cochin | 8-11 | Barred, Black, Blue, Brown, Buff, Golden-laced, Partridge, Silver-laced, and White |
| Frizzle | 5-8 | Black, Blue, Buff, Columbian, Cuckoo, Red, and White |
| Ameraucana | 4-7 | Black, Blue, Blue Wheaten, Brown Red, Buff, Silver, Wheaten, and White |
| Orpington | 8-10 | Black, Blue, Buff, and White |
| Brahma | 9-18 | Light, Buff, and Dark |
| Polish | 4-6 | Gold, Silver, White, and White-crested Black |
| Sultan | 4-6 | White |
| Dorking | 8-14 | Colored, Red, Silver-Gray, and White |
| Houdan | 6-8 | Black, Cuckoo, Mottled, Pearl-gray, and White |
| Bearded d’Uccle | 1.4-1.6 | Black, Golden Neck, Millefleur, Mottled, Porcelain, Self-blue, and White |
| Orloff | 6-8 | Black, Black-tailed Red, Cuckoo, Mahogany, Spangled, and White |
| Faverolles | 6-8 | Mainly Salmon, also Black, Blue, Cuckoo, Ermine, Mahogany, Splash, and White |
| Marans | 5-9 | Black, Black Copper, Wheaten, and White |
| Chantecler | 6-9 | White and Partridge |
| Yokohama | 2-6 | Red-saddled and White |
| Crèvecœur | 5-8 | Black |
| Burmese | 0.99-1.25 | White |
| Wyandotte | 6-9 | Black, Blue, Buff, Columbian, Golden-laced, Partridge, Silver-laced, Silver-penciled, and White |
| Easter Egger | 4-6 | Varied |
| Welsummer | 4-7 | Red-partridge |
Special Considerations For Fluffy Chickens
While fluffy chickens are cute, it is important to keep a few factors in mind before raising them.
- Limited Climate Tolerance — Breeds with fluffy feathers might struggle in extreme temperatures, like the Silkie in the cold (as its excessive feathers do not retain heat) or the Orpington in the heat (whose plumage can cause heat stress). So, it’s essential to consider the climate before getting these chickens.
- More Sensitive to Water — Fluffy chickens thrive best in dry environments, as their dense plumage makes them more vulnerable to getting wet. Water droplets can accumulate on their feathers, increasing their risk of catching a cold. The coop they live in should provide a dry environment to maintain their warmth.
- Likely to be Bullied — Their different feathers often cause these chickens to face unwanted attention and bullying from their fellow coop mates. This can be lowered by introducing several similar chickens into the flock.
- Requires Specialized Coops — Breeds like Silkies and Frizzles are less adept at flying due to their unique plumage. As a result, they need lower roosts and nesting boxes in their coops.
