Where to Buy a Silkie Chicken: A Complete Guide

Silkie chickens are one of the most unique and popular chicken breeds available today. With their fluffy, fur-like plumage and friendly personalities, it’s easy to see why Silkies are a top choice for backyard chicken keepers and pet owners alike But where exactly can you find and purchase these adorable feathered friends? This guide will walk you through the best places and most reputable hatcheries to buy Silkie chicks and chickens from

Overview of Silkie Chickens

Let’s start with a quick overview of Silkie chickens and what makes them so special

• Originated in China and Southeast Asia. They get their name from their fluffy, silky-soft plumage that feels like silk or satin to the touch.

• Typically smaller in size compared to standard chickens, averaging only 2-4 pounds. Considered a bantam breed.

• Come in many color varieties including white, black, blue, buff, splash, and partridge.

• Have unique physical traits like fluffy head crests, beards, feathers on their legs and feet, and five toes instead of the usual four.

• Known for calm, docile personalities. Great for children and as pets. Not aggressive.

• Hardy, easy to care for. Do well in confinement. Can be housed with other docile breeds.

• Broody and dedicated mothers. Will eagerly hatch and raise their own chicks.

Most Reputable Silkie Chicken Hatcheries

When looking for Silkie chickens or chicks for sale, it’s important to purchase from reputable hatcheries that focus on quality birds. Here are some of the most trusted and recommended Silkie chicken hatcheries to buy from:

Cackle Hatchery

Cackle Hatchery, located in Missouri, is one of the leading hatcheries specializing in rare and unique chicken breeds like Silkies. They offer:

• Wide selection of Silkie color varieties including black, white, buff, blue, splash.

• Offer Silkie bantams and chicks, plus special deals on orders.

• Ships Silkie chicks nationwide, year-round availability.

• Stock comes from quality show bird bloodlines.

• Guarantees live delivery of healthy chicks.

• Also sells supplies like feed, coops, medication.

Meyer Hatchery

Family-owned Meyer Hatchery in Ohio focuses on quality poultry including adorable Silkies. They provide:

• Good selection of common Silkie colors.

• Offer day-old Silkie chicks, started pullets and adults.

• Ships chicks February to October based on availability.

• Also sells fertilized hatching eggs for home incubation.

• Health and satisfaction guaranteed.

The Silkie Chicken Farm

Small breeder The Silkie Chicken Farm specializes in beautiful, purebred Silkies. They offer:

• Mainly sell Silkie pullets and hens vs. chicks.

• Offer whites, blacks, blues, partridge, and unique crested varieties.

• Located in Texas but can ship nationwide.

• Focus on healthy, vaccinated birds from quality bloodlines.

• Also sell fertilized Silkie hatching eggs based on availability.

• Unique crested varieties like Polish and Sultan mixes.

What to Look for When Buying Silkies

To get the best quality Silkies, here are a few things to look for when selecting birds and dealing with hatcheries:

• Reputable, experienced hatchery with expertise in Silkies specifically. Avoid generic chick suppliers.

• Birds from quality show-line genetics, not just random backyard flocks.

• Cleanliness standards followed – NPIP certification is ideal.

• Guarantees of live, healthy chicks on arrival. Replacement policies.

• Wide selection of colors available, not just white and black Silkies.

• Prices in line with market rates. Beware super cheap chicks.

• Shipping options – look for nationwide shipping.

• Positive reviews from satisfied Silkie chicken buyers.

How Old Should Silkie Chicks or Chickens Be?

One decision to make is what age you want your Silkies to be when purchased:

Day-Old Chicks

• Most common and affordable option. Chicks hatch and ship immediately.

• Require brooder setup and 3-6 months grow-out before moving outside.

• Allow you to raise them from babies and socialize as pets.

Started Pullets or Juveniles

• Older at 1-4 months. Partially grown but still young.

• Skip the baby chick stage – less work and mortality risk.

• Ready to transition to outdoor coop sooner at 8-12 weeks old.

• Usually already vaccinated and eating starter feed well.

Adult Hens

• Mature at 5-7+ months old. Ready to lay eggs.

• Most convenient option but most expensive.

• No grow-out period needed. Begin laying soon after arrival.

• Breeding or show prospects often sold as adults.

• Can be timid initially until settled, compared to hand-raised chicks.

How Much Does a Silkie Chicken Cost?

Silkie chicken prices can vary based on age, variety, quality, and hatchery. Some typical Silkie chicken prices:

• Day-old chicks – $5-$10 per chick, depending on color.

• Started pullets – $15-$25 per pullet.

• Juvenile hens – $25-$50 each.

• Adult hens – $50+ per mature hen.

• Fertile eggs – $3-$5 per egg; sold in lots of 6-12 eggs.

Crested, bearded, and rarer color varieties tend to cost a bit more than plain white or black Silkies. Buying in bundles of 6 or more chicks can also lower cost per chick.

Overall, Silkies are one of the more affordable fancy chicken breeds to buy. With a little research you can find healthy, beautiful Silkies chicks and chickens from reputable hatcheries at reasonable prices.

Tips for Safely Buying Silkies Online & Arrival

Buying chicks online and getting them shipped directly to your door is often the easiest and most convenient way to purchase Silkies. Here are some tips for safely buying Silkies online:

• Check seller reviews and only buy from highly-rated, reputable hatcheries. Avoid backyard breeders.

• Understand shipping restrictions – some hatcheries only ship certain times of year.

• Expect shipping costs of $20-$60+ depending on your location and number of chicks.

• Opt for faster 1-3 day shipping if possible, avoid transit over holidays.

• Confirm order details like expected hatch and ship date. Request email shipment notifications.

• Have brooder ready before chicks arrive so you can move them right in.

• Inspect chicks immediately upon arrival and contact hatchery if any issues. Look for health, alertness, dry and fluffy down.

Following biosecurity best practices, quarantining new birds for 4-6 weeks before introducing to a flock is also recommended. This protects your existing flock.

Find Your Fluffy Silkies!

With their fur-like feathers and lovable personalities, Silkie chickens are a joy to own. Following this guide will help you locate reputable Silkie hatcheries, know what to look for in quality birds, decide on the best age, and get your Silkie chicks home safely. Soon you’ll be able to enjoy all the fun and affection Silkies bring to backyard flocks.