The Silkie Standard of Perfection: What Makes a Show-Quality Silkie

When Megan first got silkies, she had no idea there was such a thing as a "show-quality" silkie. Then she found a whole world of breeders who raise silkies to a written standard, and that's how FancyFlock began. Here's a simple, beginner-friendly look at what that standard asks for.

What is the Standard of Perfection?

The Standard of Perfection (SOP) is the book of breed standards published by the American Poultry Association (APA). It describes the ideal look for each breed, and poultry show judges score birds against it. In the US, silkies are shown as bantams. The American Bantam Association (ABA) publishes its own standard as well.

What judges look for in a silkie

Silkie feathering

Soft, fluffy, hair-like feathers all over. Silkie feathers lack the tiny hooks that hold normal feathers together, which is what gives the breed its cloud-like look.

A full, round crest

A well-rounded crest that sits on top of the head like a pom-pom. Hens' crests are round and full. Roosters' crests often sweep back with long streamers.

Beard and muffs

Bearded silkies have a full beard under the beak and muffs on the cheeks. Non-bearded silkies are recognized too. They're simply a different variety.

Five toes

Silkies have five toes on each foot instead of the usual four. The extra toe sits above and behind the back toe.

Feathered feet and legs

Feathers on the outer side of the legs (shanks) and down the outer toes.

Comb, earlobes and skin

• A small walnut comb, ideally dark mulberry to almost black
• Turquoise blue earlobes
• Dark blue-black skin, dark beak and dark eyes

Body shape

A short back, broad and full body, and lots of fluff, so the bird looks round and compact from every angle.

Common faults

These are the kinds of things that keep a silkie out of the show ring, though they don't affect what kind of pet it makes:

• Four toes instead of five, or toes that are crooked
• Little or no feathering on the feet
• A single (straight, upright) comb instead of a walnut comb
• Red earlobes on adult birds
• A narrow crest or thin beard
• Feathers that are hard or straight instead of silky
• Light-colored skin

What about colors?

The APA recognizes a set list of silkie colors, and that list changes over time as new colors are accepted, so check the latest Standard. Black, blue and splash are long-standing silkie colors. Others, including mottled, paint and mille fleur, are widely bred and loved, but not every color is officially recognized yet. At many shows, unrecognized colors can still be entered in special classes, so check each show's rules. Our silkie color genetics guide explains how these colors are passed on.

Show quality vs. pet quality

"Pet quality" doesn't mean less healthy or less sweet. It means a bird has a fault or two that would hold it back in the show ring, like a missing fifth toe or a thin crest. Pet-quality silkies make wonderful companions. "Show quality" birds come closest to the standard and are the ones breeders use to improve their lines.