Silkie Chicken Eggs | A Complete Guide & Hatching

What Is Silkie Chicken?

Originating from China, Silkie chickens are an old breed with a complex history tied to the Silk Road. Marco Polo’s thirteenth-century travels brought them to fame, describing them as “furry chickens” in his documented account (Silkie Wikipedia). Later, Ulisse Aldrovandi, an Italian writer, called them chickens with hair like a black cat in his treatise.

Silkies have black skin, blue earlobes, and five toes; most chickens have four. Their feathers, lacking barbicels, create a satin-like, silky, and fluffy coat.

This unique feathering led to European myths of crossbreed chickens and rabbits or bird-mammals, even landing them in sideshows as exotic curiosities.

Despite their mythical aura, Silkies are pure poultry, known for friendly, docile, and cheeky dispositions. They’re adaptable, flightless (they can’t fly), and ubiquitous in backyard flocks as fashionable pets.

Silkie Trait	Description
Plumage	Fluffy, hair-like feathers, silk
Skin	Black, unique among chicken breeds
Earlobes	Blue, striking, and distinctive
Toes	Five, unlike standard four
Nature	Friendly, docile, cheeky

Their looks and adaptability make Silkies head-turners, perfect backyard additions for families seeking special chooks.

Silkie Chicken Egg Production

Silkie eggs are a delightful surprise from these adorable hens. I remember cracking my first Silkie egg; the yolk was a vibrant yellow, and it tasted incredibly good in my scrambled eggs.

Hens lay small to extra-small eggs, typically under 53g in the UK or 42.5g in the US, with peewee sizes under 35.4g. The eggs are white, sometimes off-white or cream, and have porcelain-type shells that are sturdy yet delicate.

Silkie hens are notoriously poor layers, producing approximately 100–120 eggs per year. They start laying at 7–9 months, some later, even almost a year old.

Egg production peaks in the first two years, dropping to 50% by five years and becoming rare, like a blue moon, by eight years. Unlike prolific layers, Silkies may skip weeks, yielding a handful of eggs every week. For a steady supply, keep at least five hens to provide enough for a kid’s breakfast or small recipes like deviled eggs or McMuffins.

Don’t let their smaller size fool you, Silkie eggs pack a nutritional punch. A 2004 study found they have less cholesterol and more vitamins B2, B6, D, E, calcium, and potassium than large fowl hen eggs (Animal Science Journal).

They’re high in minerals like selenium, zinc, phosphorus, and choline, a superfood nutrient for cell membranes, signaling molecules, and brain health.

Eating Silkie eggs may reduce heart disease and stroke risks, improve eye health, and aid weight loss. Their larger yolks relative to size make them nutritious and delicious, whether cooked or raw (though raw consumption carries foodborne illness risks).

Silkie hen eggs are rare and a bit more costly than regular eggs, ranging from 6$ to 10$ per dozen if you buy them in local markets.

If you want fertilized eggs for hatching, they command higher prices, varying from 20$ to 50$ per dozen. However, the prices depend on the region and market rates.

Nutrient	Silkie Egg Benefits
Vitamins	Higher B2, B6, D, E than standard eggs
Minerals	Rich in calcium, potassium, and zinc
Cholesterol	Lower than large eggs
Choline	Supports brain and heart health

Can You Eat Silkie Chicken Eggs?

Silkie eggs are perfectly edible, with a taste that’s pretty good and better than store-bought eggs due to free-range diets. They’re not large or jumbo eggs, but their small eggs are equal in quality, debunking untrue claims of difference or inferiority.

However, the breakfast made with the Silkie chicken eggs is a little bit small, because the Silkie eggs are small. Their eggs taste like regular eggs, but their yolks are bigger.

The taste of silkie eggs is the same as that of other chicken eggs. If you experience that the Silkie eggs are different in taste, this largely depends on the chicken’s diet, so if a Silkie is fed a high-quality diet, the eggs will have a nice, full flavor.

They have a rich, creamy flavor and can be used in all the same ways as regular eggs. Many people don’t notice any difference between Silkie eggs and those from other chickens, except for their smaller size. The yolk of silkie chicken eggs is bigger than normal eggs.

How To Store Silkie Eggs?

If you want to store silkie eggs for a long time, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Whenever you collect the eggs from hens, be soft and gentle to avoid cracking or breaking the eggs. Silkie eggs are susceptible to bacteria due to their permeable shells, so use a soft and dry cloth to remove any dirt or dust from the eggs.

Remember: Don’t use water when cleaning silkie eggs, and avoid washing them until you are ready to cook them. Their shells contain a natural protective barrier called a “bloom” that prevents bacteria from entering. When water is used for cleaning, the bloom is damaged.

Place silkie eggs in the refrigerator with the pointed end down to keep the yolk centered and the air cell fixed, which helps maintain the egg’s quality over time. 

The normal recommended temperatures for eggs are between 35°F and 40°F (1.7°C and 4.4°C). If you want to hatch the silkie eggs, they should be stored at a slightly warmer temperature, around 55°F (13°C), and at a higher humidity before incubation. 

Silkie eggs have a shelf life similar to home-laid eggs. Refrigeration extends egg freshness, but egg age affects egg quality. Store in egg cartons or plastic bowl storage to maintain eggshell integrity.

Egg collection daily prevents egg spoilage or egg breakage. As social gestures, culinary uses include scrambled eggs, egg-based dishes, or egg gifting. Egg surplus can be managed through egg donation or trade, fostering community relations and mitigating noise complaints.

How to Incubate and Hatch the Silkie Eggs?

Who will not want silkie chicks?

Silkie chickens are known for their exceptional look and friendly, docile nature, which makes them perfect for anyone, even beginners. 

If you are interested in having silkie chicks and want to incubate and hatch their eggs, here are some tips to follow before choosing eggs for incubating and hatching.

Here’s how to do it right.

• Choose clean eggs.
• Choose new eggs, not older than 10 days.
• Choose eggs that are appropriate in size and color for the breed.
• Choose eggs that have no cracks.
• Choose the exact size of eggs. 
• Choose eggs that are from well-fed and happy chickens.
• If possible, choose eggs collected from hens during their second season.

Choose small, white eggs with sturdy shells, avoiding cracked or too old (>10 days) eggs. Store eggs properly to maintain egg viability. Set up the incubator 24 hours before, using Govee sensors for humidity control and temperature calibration.

The lockdown begins on day 17, stopping egg turning. Hatchling assistance may be needed, but natural hatching is best to avoid hatchling defects. Incubation challenges like temperature fluctuations or humidity adjustments can affect hatch success. Follow incubation best practices for hatch rate optimization.

Incubation Parameter	Setting
Temperature	99.1°F (forced air)
Humidity	45–55%, 65% for hatching
Incubation Period	20–21 days
Egg Turning	Daily until day 17

Incubation Period​ for Silkie Eggs

The incubation period for Silkie eggs is 20–21 days, with bantam eggs possibly hatching a day earlier (Silkie Chicken Experts). Use a forced air incubator at 99.1°F or a still air incubator at 101°F.

Humidity should be 45–55% for the first 17 days, then 65% during hatching. Turn eggs daily using an automatic egg turner or mark them with a non-toxic marker (like a pencil or Sharpie) to track rotation. Candling checks egg fertility and embryo development clean, well-shaped eggs from well-fed parents have better hatch rates.

Required Humidity and Temperature​

Before placing the eggs, set up the incubator and let it run for a minimum of 24 hours. In the initial 17 days, maintain the humidity levels within 45% to 55%. Set the humidity settings between 55% and 65% as you close the hatching phase. 

Notably, hatching Silkie eggs demands extra humidity care due to their shell resembling porcelain in nature. In a forced-air incubator, maintain a temperature of 99.1°F, while the ideal temperature for a still-air incubator is 101°F. 

Mark your eggs with a non-toxic marker or pencil to ensure accurate turning, or confirm the functionality of the automatic egg turner if your incubator is equipped with one.

Final Thoughts

Silkie chickens are incredible family pets. They offer small, nutritious eggs and endless enjoyment. Their silky feathers, broodiness, and unique traits make them favourite backyard chooks.

Whether you’re an egg expert or new to poultry husbandry, Silkies bring cuteness and fascination. 

FAQs

What is a silkie chicken?

Silkie chickens originated in China and are famous for their fluffy plumage, cute appearance, and friendly, docile nature. They are primarily raised for ornamental purposes.s

What are silkie chickens good for?

They are suitable for ornamental purposes and egg laying; their unique appearance makes any flock or backyard exceptional.

Are silkie eggs costly?

Silkie eggs are rare and more costly than regular eggs, varying from 6$ to 10$ per dozen if you buy from local markets. And if you want fertilised eggs for hatching, they command higher prices, ranging from $ 20$ to $ 50$ per dozen. However, the prices depend on the region and market rates.

Why are silkie chickens famous?

Their fluffy appearance, exceptional look, egg-laying ability, perfect broodiness, and friendly temperament make them famous among poultry enthusiasts and on social media.

Are Silkie Chickens Good for Eggs?

Silkie chickens lay about 100 to 150 eggs yearly, less than breeds like Rhode Island Reds that can lay up to 250-300 eggs. They might not be the best choice if you need lots of eggs. But if you want a friendly pet that also gives you some eggs, Silkies are wonderful companions.

How Many Silkie Eggs Equal a Large Egg?

Silkie eggs are smaller, averaging around 42 grams, while a large egg is about 57 grams. This means it takes about 1.33 Silkie eggs to match the weight of one large egg. In cooking, you should use one and a third Silkie eggs if a recipe calls for one large egg, or adjust by using more to get the right amount.

Is Silkie Chicken Edible?

Yes, Silkie chickens are edible and a delicacy in some cultures, especially in Asia, due to their unique black skin and meat. They are sometimes kept for meat, though this is not very common.

Can You Eat Silkie Chicken Eggs?

Silkie chicken eggs are safe to eat and are known for their bright yellow yolks and good taste, especially from free-ranging hens. They’re great for breakfast, especially for kids.

How Many Eggs Does a Silkie Hen Lay?

A Silkie hen typically lays between 100 and 150 eggs in a year, depending on factors like age and environment.

Are Silkie Eggs More Nutritious?

Research suggests Silkie eggs are more nutritious than regular chicken eggs. Studies show they have higher levels of vitamins like B2, B6, D, and E, and minerals like calcium and potassium. They also contain more unsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, which are good for your heart and brain.