Description
Silver Duckwing Phoenix Chicken
Breed History and Origin
Cackle Hatchery® has been breeding a large selection of poultry varieties for decades, including the elegant Silver Duckwing Phoenix chicken. While the roots of this breed can be traced back thousands of years to the famous Onagadori longtail chickens of Japan, the Phoenix breed itself was developed later in post–World War II Germany. The breed combines the dramatic long tail feather traits of Japanese longtail birds with more practical breeding characteristics. The Silver Duckwing Phoenix was recognized by the American Standard of Perfection in 2017 within the Oriental Class of poultry breeds. Cackle Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing its bloodline of pure Silver Duckwing Phoenix chickens since 1973.
Appearance and Breed Characteristics
Silver Duckwing Phoenix chickens are admired for their striking feather pattern and elegant posture. This variety features silver shoulder hackles and contrasting darker body feathers, along with the extremely long tail feathers that define the Phoenix breed. Mature hens typically weigh about 4 pounds, while roosters average around 5½ pounds. Pullets generally weigh about 3½ pounds, and cockerels around 4½ pounds. These birds have a slender build and upright carriage that gives them a graceful appearance often sought by exhibition poultry enthusiasts.
Egg Production and Performance
Silver Duckwing Phoenix hens lay small cream or lightly tinted eggs, though egg production is considered poor compared to standard egg-laying breeds. The breed is primarily kept for its ornamental qualities and dramatic long tail feather development rather than egg production.
Temperament and Flock Suitability
This breed is active and alert, performing best in environments where it has room to move and higher roosting areas. Phoenix chickens often prefer roost heights of six feet or higher, which helps protect their long tail feathers from damage. Fertility percentages generally range between 40–55%, with a recommended mating ratio of nine females to one male. Hens may display broodiness and are considered setters.
Longtail Breed Care
Phoenix chickens are among the ornamental longtail poultry breeds that require thoughtful housing and management to maintain their impressive tail feathers. Proper roosting arrangements and clean housing conditions help preserve the length and quality of the tail plumage prized by exhibition breeders.
To learn more about longtail chickens, see our blogs:
Breed Spotlight: Lovely Longtail Chickens
Care and Feeding of Longtail Roosters
Customers interested in a smaller version of this breed may also like the Silver Duckwing Phoenix Bantam Chicken
Silver Duckwing Phoenix Chicken FAQs
How long can Phoenix chicken tails grow? Phoenix roosters develop long flowing tails that continue to grow each year when properly cared for.
What color eggs do Silver Duckwing Phoenix chickens lay? Hens lay small cream or lightly tinted eggs.
Are Silver Duckwing Phoenix chickens good egg layers? No. Egg production is considered poor because the breed is primarily raised for ornamental and exhibition purposes.
Are Phoenix chickens rare? Yes. The Silver Duckwing Phoenix is considered a heritage breed with watch status and is maintained through specialized breeding programs
Availability
Available Low Availability Unavailable
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Kendra –
I bought 6 of these and 6 Golden Duckwing Standard Phoenix chicks back in March. Upon arrival, they were all super healthy and happy. Although they were shy at first, they eventually got use to me and would come up for treats. Now they are adults and they still love to be loved on and petted! The Roos can have a sassy attitude but I have never been pecked or chased by one of mine. I would definitely recommend this breed for people who like exotic looking birds. However, I do believe that in order for them to be happy and fully flourish they need to be in a free range environment so that they have plenty of space to grow and forage.
Amber Gill –
I absolutely love watching these guys. They have a gorgeous look to them but they also have a little attitude to back it. I suggest keeping 1 rooster lol. Other than that I love these chicks.
Jym –
AWESOME
Ordered 6 silver duckwing standards and received 7 happy healthy chicks. All are thriving and love playing king of the water tower!
Nat –
Cute birds
Smart and small birds. Very smart.
Stephanie Canniff –
Love these birds
Absolutely love these birds. The hens are very tenacious and don’t get pushed around a lot for their size. With people they’re very sweet. My rooster is 10 months old now and his tail is beautiful and flowy. He is a typical roostering to be a little jerk sometimes but not very often.
moti –
good
iv bought both silver and golden and the silver seem to like to fight with people a bit where the golden ones dont . they are good looking bird though
Virginia M –
Clever bird
Received a Silver Duckwing Phoenix pullet as part of the Rare Breed Special back in May 2019.
She has a sweet disposition, and is very curious. We noticed early on that she can fly a good distance when she wants to, and so I trained her to fly to my arm when called. Gets along well with the other pullets and hens she lives with.
We are strongly considering ordering several more of these next year!
Chickenboy200 –
sure
They are great chickens
AshleyBee –
Beautiful rooster with sass!
I love my Silver Duckwing Phoenix rooster. He’s adorable, spritely, quick on his feet, has a good eye for predators, takes care of his girls and looks gorgeous. I highly recommend these guys for a lightweight, beautiful rooster that isn’t going to damage your hens – at least in my case he hasn’t, as all my hens are fat, fluffy layer types. He’s got an eye for the biggest, fluffiest gals! Too funny.
Margie, Alabama March 2013 –
Cackle Hatchery
Just wanted to say thanks so much for the courtesy calls from your company on my chicken issue. I am not in the least upset with anyone other than myself. We will be re-ordering and looking forward to more beautiful baby chicks from you. Again thanks and have never conducted business over the net with anyone more cordial as you guys have been.