Description
White Bearded Silkie Bantam Chicken
Breed History and Origin
White Bearded Silkie Bantam chickens (Exhibition Type) were the first Silkie variety admitted into the American Standard of Perfection in 1874, making them the foundation of Silkie exhibition breeding in the United States. Originating in Asia, Silkies have been valued for centuries for their unique feathering and calm temperament. Today, they remain one of the most recognized ornamental bantam breeds. Cackle Hatchery® has been developing its own bloodline or strain of pure Silkie Bantams since 1973, focusing on feather quality, structure, and consistent type for both backyard and exhibition use.
Appearance and Breed Characteristics
White Bearded Silkies are a striking combination of fluffy white plumage and distinct Silkie traits, including black skin, a mulberry-colored comb and wattles, feathered legs, and five toes. As a bearded variety, they feature full muffs and a beard that enhance their rounded, full-bodied appearance. Their soft, hair-like feathers lack the typical structure of standard chicken feathers, giving them their signature look. Mature roosters typically weigh around 36 ounces and hens around 32 ounces, with pullets and cockerels slightly smaller. As part of the Feather Legged Bantam class, both feather quality and overall balance are key for exhibition.
Egg Production and Broodiness
White Bearded Silkie Bantams offer good egg production for a bantam, laying small cream or tinted eggs on a steady basis. However, they are best known for their strong broodiness. Hens are dependable setters and are widely used to hatch eggs, including those from other breeds that are not typically broody. Fertility typically ranges from 40–55%, with a recommended mating ratio of approximately six females to one male.
Temperament and Backyard Suitability
This breed is extremely docile and easy to handle, making it one of the best choices for families, beginners, and backyard flocks. They are calm birds that do well in confinement and are ideal for smaller spaces. Their gentle temperament allows them to get along with other calm breeds, though they should not be housed with aggressive birds. Due to their feathering and body structure, they prefer low roosts, typically between 0 to 2 feet.
Production Positioning and Exhibition Use
The White Bearded Silkie Bantam is best positioned as a pet, broody hen, and exhibition bird with light egg production. While they do lay eggs consistently for a bantam, their primary value lies in their distinctive appearance, calm temperament, and strong mothering ability. Their clean white plumage combined with traditional Silkie traits makes them one of the top choices for poultry shows.
Breeding Note / Color Note
Maintaining clean, bright white feathering without staining or discoloration is essential for exhibition-quality birds. Proper management and selective breeding are important to preserve color purity, feather texture, and correct Silkie characteristics.
Related Resources
Check out our blog “5 Chicken Breeds that Have 5 Toes” https://www.cacklehatchery.com/5-chicken-breeds-that-have-5-toes/
For customers who love all five varieties of Cackle Hatchery® Silkies, we offer a Mixed Silkie Bantam Special. https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/silkie-bantam-special/
For more information about Silkies, see our Breed Spotlight: Silkie Bantam Chickens. https://blog.cacklehatchery.com/breed-spotlight-silkie-bantam-chickens/
See all color variations of silkies for sale https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product-category/silkie-chicken/
FAQ
Are White Bearded Silkie Bantams good for beginners?
Yes, they are one of the most beginner-friendly chickens due to their calm and manageable nature.
Do White Bearded Silkie Bantams get dirty easily?
Yes, their white feathers can show dirt easily, so clean housing is important.
Are White Bearded Silkie Bantams good broody hens?
Yes, they are excellent setters and are commonly used to hatch eggs.
Can White Bearded Silkie Bantams live in small coops?
Yes, they do very well in confinement and are ideal for small backyard setups.
Are White Bearded Silkie Bantams good for showing?
Yes, they are a top exhibition breed due to their appearance and APA recognition.
Availability
Available Low Availability Unavailable
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cyrbecky771 –
I purchased 10 silkie bantams almost a year ago, received 12. All survived except one. I ended up with 7 hens and 4 roosters. Unfortunately I had to part with the roosters but all 7 hens are doing well.
Hannah Gladue –
AMAZING! They were shipped just fine and Shipped fast! I had never mail ordered any kind of animal before so I was anxious but everything went well! I ordered 5 white silkies and received 6.
Well worth the money
Thank you so much cackle you’re amazing!!
Rosemarie caires –
I ordered 28 white sikkies and received 30. All except one survived the trip to Maui Hawaii. They were lively because they were shipped so well. I was very impressed with the whole process at Cackle. My chicks are now running around in their little group and are absolutely beautiful. They are very fluffy and tame. Everyone falls in love with them. Thank you Cackle for providing me with these beautiful chicks. Next year I might order another color!
Jenn –
happy
My babies showed up today ( first time chicken mom) i orders 10 silkies, 5 white and 5 black i received 12 chicks. they sent 2 extras). their all happy healthy chirpy eating and drinking, and my kids are so excited! Thank you, even with all the chaos in the world right now they showed up on time and perfect.
Nicole R –
So Pleased
I am so pleased with my order from Cackle! I ordered 5 white silkie bantams received 6 healthy happy chicks in May of this year. Only ended up with 2 hens, I am not allowed to have roosters where I live so I only kept the 2 girls and they are the best! Super sweet and so fluffy! They started laying eggs at 5 months old and lay an egg each almost every day. I just love them so much. I will be back for more
Nicole –
Love them
I am so pleased with my order from Cackle! I ordered 5 white silkie bantams recieved 6 healthy happy chicks in May of this year. Only ended up with 2 hens, I am not aloud to have roosters where I live so I only kept the 2 girls and they are the best! Super sweet and so fluffy! They started laying eggs at 5 months old and lay an egg each almost every day. I just love them so much. I will be back for more
SALTLIFE 74 –
EXCELLENT BIRD
Ordered 10 and received 12. In perfect health. All alive and are still thriving wonderfully now at age 7 weeks. Beautiful bird and so much fun to watch.
Sally –
Silkies
Omg. I am in love with these. Lil guys this is my 2 time ordering from cackle never disappointed these birds are not only stunning but very healthy looking cowed to watching them grow. Thanks guys
candi –
In Love…
SO happy to receive my babies today! My white Silkies arrived. I ordered 5 and they sent me 6 which was good because one didn’t make the trip. The ones that did are in great condition eating, drinking and happy just an hour after being in their new home.
Adam –
First time customer
This was my first time ordering from Cackle Hatchery. There was good communication from the time i ordered to the time of delivery. All of my chicks arrived happy and healthy and still are two days later. I will definitely be ordering from here again.
Ginny –
Happy healthy babies
This was our first time ordering our chicks online. We got the hatchery special 15 silkies and could not be more pleased with our order. We received 18 healthy happy chicks! The packaging is impressive and I was sure the 2 day journey not all would make it but after 24 hours all are still doing just as well. The care instructions included are a great touch along with the bonus stickers for the kids. We defiantly recommend crackle for future orders!
Terry M –
10 White Silkies
Order shipped on Monday and the 10 white silkies arrived in great shape first thing Wednesday morning in South Florida. We had a bit of a cold snap this week and I was concerned about the chicks getting chilled, but Cackle hatchery packed them nicely in a well insulated box with a heat pad and the chicks were warm and content in their journey south. They even through in a couple extras, very pleased with the chicks and the professional service.
Mr Clean –
Amazing birds
Picked up my white silkies at the hatchery today. The staff at Cackle is very friendly and helpful. From Cheryl in the ordering department to the young lady that waited on me in the store. The chicks made the 4 hour drive home in good shape. All chicks healthy and what I expected from the breed. I order 30 total chicks of two different breeds and I am pretty sure sure there were 37 chicks in the box. To hard to count because they are so peppy and energetic. No lethargic chicks and no off colored chicks. Looks like I have a new hatchery.
Not du –
Silkie
I bought Silkies last summer. Bought 5 and 6 came. It was our first time owning chickens. My daughter who just turned 9 loves these chickens!! They all survived. And they have stole her heart. There ended up being 1 rooster and he chases her, pecks her, and bites her pants and she laughs every step of the way. They are adorable. The girls are very sweet. She is begging me to order more!! She is not an animal lover but she loves her chickens!!
Memcspadden –
Pleased
Ordered April 2018 of a variety of chickens- 5 White Silkies. All birds survived and they are beautiful. I am now Silkie Obessed and cant wait to order for year 2019!
Vicky M –
Arrived Happy & Healthy
Ordered five and Cackle sent an additional two. They all arrived happy and healthy. They are all doing amazing eight months later and not to mention super cute and friendly!
Silkie lover –
Amazing!
We ordered 10 silkie chicks and very happy to receive 11! We lost two to predators but all were alive and well when they arrived from Cackel. I definitely suggest cackle!
David Nevada April 2018 –
Awesome!
All of my Silkies arrived today. It took three days they are all alive and healthy plus they put in two extras! What a great company and great customer service. Thank you I have very happy with how everything went. I highly recommend Cackle Hatchery.
Mr. Chicken Little –
AWESOME SAUCE!
This Is Cute Chicken BOI
1Travelingon –
Healthy and Happy
All of our chicks are doing well! We have had to orders arrive thus far and have not lost a single one. They are healthy, arrive on time and we will always order from Cackle Hatchery in the future. Many thanks!
Gina Washington June 2009 –
Cackle Hatchery
My chicks arrived this morning and all are in fine shape. They are eating and drinking like little dinosaurs!! Thank you for a great shipment.
Harry Pennsylvania June 2009 –
Cackle Hatchery
Chicks arrived on June 5. All is well and they are happy and hungry. Thank you
Laurie Texas May 2009 –
Thank You
A huge thanks for my bantam chickens. All 25 plus the extras sent arrived doing well, and here we are three weeks later and all chicks are still going strong. I have purchased chickens from two or three different local places before and lost some here and there, so I am very impressed with how they all are doing. I will definitely recommend your hatchery to my poultry friends, and plan to order from you again when we’re ready for more
Jessica Ohio August 2009 –
Cackle Hatchery
My chicks arrived today and i wanted to let you know they are wonderful. Your chicks are very healthy and they came right on time. I am very pleased with your hatchery. Thank you very much.
Xenia, California March 2012 –
Thanks!
You can put me in your list of satisfied customers and as a reference for receiving healthy babies. Got my babies this morning all of them looked really healthy.
Barb, Kansas March 2012 –
Love our babies
Just wanted to update you on our week old 15 babies (5 Blue Polish, 5 White Silkies and 5 Easter Eggers). They are all healthy and doing great!
Tom North Carolina May 2010 –
Thank You
I placed a order for 3 African Geese 25 sultans and 10 silkies and received them as healthy and happy as they could be. I am once again a very pleased customer. I put Cackle Hatchery before all others. You have the best price, best service and the best quality. I look forward to my next order, just not sure when but there will be another. Thank you for the extras, this goes to show just how much you care. Thanks you again
Michael New York April 2010 –
My praise to Cackle Hatchery and their staff
Good Evening, I just received my order of chicks from Cackle Hatchery today. I want to extend my sincere praise to your company and staff. My chicks arrived healthy and without a single casualty!!! I have ordered from other hatcheries in the past and have waited anxiously for my chicks to arrive only to be disappointed by dead or nearly dead chicks. Your chicks are the best I have ever received from a hatchery. Although, I am experienced enough to be able to tell which breeds are which, I appreciated the fact that your staff took the time to mark similar breeds. Again, thank you to your staff, They won me over as a customer. I will be sure to tell all of my fellow chicken fanciers how impressed I am with Cackle Hatchery.
Kathryn California May 2014 –
Cackle Hatchery
I just wanted to say thank you. I have always been very happy with the poultry I have received from you. I also want to thank you for going through the trouble to cancel my order. I have been ill and only yesterday learn it was rather serious. I hope it will be okay to place orders again with you in the future. I do hope to support your business again in the future by placing order and continuing making people happy locally and meeting new friends by providing breeds that aren’t available locally. Thanks, and good wishes to all at Cackle.
Dawn Wisconsin May 2015 –
Cackle Hatchery
I am anxiously awaiting my chicks. I am so excited. It is my first time to have backyard chickens. I researched many hatcheries and found yours online. I was impressed and very much enjoyed your tutorial of the family business and history of the company. I also liked the videos of the different chicks and information given about the different varieties. I found that very helpful when choosing which varieties I wanted and would be best for us.
Benny Alabama July 2014 –
Attn: Nancy
I just wanted to tell you that you have a great staff working for you. Always nice and polite and ready to answer any questions. I have received two orders from you this year and I am well pleased. I plan on continuing doing business with you nice folks. Thanks