Named for their unique fluffy, silky-soft plumage, Silkies are a popular breed for backyard flocks. They have several unusual qualities, such as black skin and bones, blue earlobes, and five toes on each foot, although not all of our silkies will hatch out with five toes. They are calm, friendly, and the most docile of poultry, making them an ideal pet. Hens are good mothers because they are broody. Though they are fair layers themselves, they are commonly used to hatch eggs from other breeds. Mature females lay approximately 100 small brown eggs each year, and mature adults weigh about two pounds. As chicks, their colors vary but are easily identifiable by their black-feathered legs and five-toed feet.