Long-Haired Wonders: Top 10 Chicken Breeds

Chickens come in a variety of breeds, each with its unique characteristics. Long-haired chicken breeds are particularly fascinating due to their elegant plumage, which sets them apart from other breeds. In this blog, we will explore 10 Long-Haired Chicken Breeds, detailing their origins, features, and what makes them so special.

1. Silkie

Overview

The Silkie chicken is one of the most popular and distinctive long-haired chicken breeds. Known for its fluffy plumage that feels like silk, this breed is a favorite among poultry enthusiasts and backyard chicken keepers.

Origin

Silkies are believed to have originated in Asia, with historical references tracing back to ancient China and Japan. Marco Polo even mentioned a “furry chicken” during his travels in the 13th century.

Features

• Feathers: Silkie feathers lack barbicels, giving them a fur-like appearance.
• Skin and Bones: Uniquely, Silkies have black skin and bones, a trait called fibromatosis.
• Temperament: Known for their calm and friendly nature, Silkies are excellent pets.
• Egg Production: They lay small, cream-colored eggs but are not prolific layers.
• Broodiness: Silkies are highly broody and make excellent mothers.

2. Polish

Overview

Polish chickens are easily recognizable by their large crests of feathers, which often obscure their vision. They are ornamental birds prized for their unique appearance and charming personalities.

Origin

The exact origin of Polish chickens is unclear, but they are thought to have originated in the Netherlands and were later developed in Poland.

Features

• Feathers: They have a distinctive crest of feathers on their heads, sometimes called a “top hat.”
• Temperament: Polish chickens are friendly but can be skittish due to their obscured vision.
• Egg Production: They lay white eggs and are moderate layers.
• Varieties: They come in several color varieties, including white, black, and golden.

3. Cochin

Overview

Cochins are large, fluffy chickens with a gentle disposition. Their abundance of feathers extends down to their legs and feet, making them appear even larger.

Origin

Cochins originated in China and were brought to the West in the mid-19th century.

Features

• Feathers: Cochins have a profusion of soft, dense feathers covering their entire bodies.
• Size: They are one of the largest chicken breeds, with some males weighing up to 11 pounds.
• Temperament: Cochins are known for their docile and friendly nature.
• Egg Production: They are fair layers of brown eggs but are more valued for their ornamental qualities.
• Broodiness: Cochins are excellent mothers and frequently go broody.

4. Faverolles

Overview

Faverolles are charming birds known for their unique appearance and friendly demeanor. They are often kept for both their ornamental value and utility.

Origin

The Faverolles breed originated in France in the village of Faverolles. They were developed in the 19th century from a mix of several other breeds.

Features

• Feathers: Faverolles have a distinctive beard and muffs, giving them a fluffy appearance.
• Color Varieties: The most common variety is Salmon, but they also come in White and Black.
• Temperament: They are gentle and friendly, making them great for families.
• Egg Production: They are good layers of light brown eggs.
• Size: They are medium-sized birds, with males weighing around 8 pounds.

5. Sultan

Overview

Sultans are rare and exotic chickens known for their luxurious plumage and regal appearance. They are primarily kept as ornamental birds due to their striking looks.

Origin

Sultans originated in Turkey, where they were kept in the gardens of Ottoman sultans. They were introduced to Europe in the 19th century.

Features

• Feathers: They have a full crest, beard, and vulture hocks, giving them a very fluffy appearance.
• Size: Sultans are small to medium-sized birds.
• Temperament: They are calm and friendly but require more care due to their delicate plumage.
• Egg Production: They are not prolific layers, producing small white eggs.
• Feet: Sultans have five toes on each foot, unlike the typical four in most chicken breeds.

6. Houdan

Overview

Houdans are striking chickens with a distinctive V-shaped comb and a full crest of feathers. They are both ornamental and practical, being good layers of eggs.

Origin

Houdans originated in France, specifically in the town of Houdan. They have been known since the 19th century and are thought to be a cross between Crevecoeur and Dorking chickens.

Features

• Feathers: They have a full crest and beard, giving them a fluffy and rounded appearance.
• Temperament: Houdans are friendly and docile, making them great for backyard flocks.
• Egg Production: They are good layers of white eggs.
• Size: They are medium-sized, with males weighing around 7.5 pounds.

7. Crevecoeur

Overview

The Crevecoeur is a rare French breed known for its glossy black plumage and distinctive V-shaped comb. They are prized for their unique appearance and historical significance.

Origin

Crevecoeurs originated in the Normandy region of France and are one of the oldest French chicken breeds.

Features

• Feathers: They have dense plumage with a prominent crest and beard.
• Color: The breed is primarily black.
• Temperament: Crevecoeurs are calm and friendly birds.
• Egg Production: They lay medium-sized white eggs.
• Size: They are medium to large-sized chickens, with males weighing around 8 pounds.

8. Pavlovskaya

Overview

Pavlovskaya chickens are one of the oldest and rarest Russian breeds. They are known for their striking appearance and hardiness.

Origin

The breed originated in the village of Pavlovo in Russia. They have been known since the 18th century but nearly went extinct before being revived by dedicated breeders.

Features

• Feathers: Pavlovskayas have a unique feather pattern, with a crest and muffs.
• Color Varieties: They come in several color varieties, including gold and silver.
• Temperament: They are hardy and active birds.
• Egg Production: They are decent layers of white eggs.
• Size: They are small to medium-sized chickens.

9. Brabanter

Overview

Brabanters are distinctive birds with a unique appearance, including a V-shaped comb and a forward-facing crest. They are both ornamental and practical.

Origin

The Brabanter breed originated in the Brabant region of the Netherlands and Belgium. They have a long history dating back to the Middle Ages.

Features

• Feathers: They have a prominent crest and beard, giving them a fluffy appearance.
• Color Varieties: Brabanters come in various colors, including gold, silver, and cream.
• Temperament: They are hardy and active birds.
• Egg Production: They are good layers of white eggs.
• Size: They are medium-sized chickens.

10. Appenzeller Spitzhauben

Overview

The Appenzeller Spitzhauben is a unique and rare breed known for its forward-facing crest and energetic personality. They are excellent foragers and adapt well to free-range environments.

Origin

This breed originated in Switzerland, specifically in the Appenzell region. It has been known since the 15th century.

Features

• Feathers: They have a distinctive forward-facing crest and v-shaped comb.
• Color Varieties: They come in several color varieties, including silver-spangled and gold-spangled.
• Temperament: Appenzellers are active and hardy birds, well-suited for free-range living.
• Egg Production: They are good layers of white eggs.
• Size: They are small to medium-sized chickens, with males weighing around 5.5 pounds.

Read Also: Big & Beautiful! Pick Your Perfect Feathered Friend

Final Words

Each of these long-haired chicken breeds brings something unique to the table, whether it be their striking appearance, friendly demeanor, or historical significance. Keeping these breeds can add a touch of elegance and charm to any backyard flock. If you’re looking to diversify your poultry collection with some truly fascinating and beautiful birds, consider one of these long-haired chicken breeds.