If you’ve missed seeing the fancy feather-footed chicken breeds, then you missed a group of distinctive chickens. Chicken breeds with feathered feet are quite attractive and have great market value. Mostly for poultry demand, as a pet, or for exhibition!
While doing research, I listed 13 Fancy Feather Foot Chicken Breeds that every poultry owner will love. Here is the list you must check:
- Cochin
- Belgian d’Uccle
- Silkie
- Brahma
- Pekin Bantam
- Booted Bantam
- Malaysian Serama
- Mille Fleur Bantam
- Faverolles
- Sultan
- Frizzle
- French Marans
- Langshan
However, let’s delve into the article to know about these unique fowls. Lemme tell you which one suits your purpose.
Table of Contents
List Of 13 Fancy Feather Foot Chicken Breeds
The feathers on the foot of the chicken add a different fancy appearance. The fluffy plumage on their feet usually calls people to keep them as a pet as they look so cute.
However, not all of them are available, so you need to check the local breeders or poultry associations. Let’s talk about everything that you need to know about such poultry breeds.
1. Cochin Chicken (Domesticated)
The real domestic breed with exceptional feathers in the feet!
Originating in China, cochin is a large, fluffy species of domesticated chicken. When they were initially brought to Europe in the middle of the 1800s, people took an immediate liking to them. It’s because of their kind nature and tolerance for frigid temperatures.
These large domestic birds have an abundance of soft feathers covering every part of their body, including their feet and legs. Their distinctive and elegant appearance is attributed to the feathering on their legs and feet.
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 8-11 pounds (standard), 2-3 pounds (bantam) |
| Purpose | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs), ornamental |
| Egg Production | Moderate |
| Egg Color | Brown |
| Temperament | Calm and friendly |
| Feathering | Feathered legs and feet, profuse plumage |
| Varieties | Many, including Buff, Partridge, Black, White, and more |
Facts About Cochin Chicken
- Initially, they were known as “Chinese Shanghai” or simply “Shanghai.”
- Cochins gained popularity in Europe and the United States due to their ornamental qualities.
- They are commonly found through breeders, hatcheries, and poultry shows.
- Cochins lay large, brown eggs at a rate of around 200 eggs per year.
- They are quite calm, quiet, and friendly-natured birds suitable as a pet.
Check this video for more about the Cochin Chicken Breed.
2. Belgian d’Uccle Chicken
Belgian d’Uccle is a Belgian chicken breed, also known as bantam chickens with fancy feathers. They are an adorable little breed of chicken that dates back to the early 1900s.
Since Uccle is where it was originally bred, the town bears its name. However, the Belgian d’Uccle is perfect with the fluffiness.
Polish and Mille-fleur chickens were crossed to create this breed. Its quiet nature, diminutive stature, and distinctive look are the reasons why people adore this bird.
With a tiny, single comb, it has a broad, rounded head. Along with short, feathery legs, it has a compact, well-rounded torso. Rising to the top of its head, the Belgian d’Uccle is distinguished by a distinctive crest of feathers.
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Bantam (small) |
| Weight | 1-2 pounds |
| Purpose | Ornamental, Exhibition |
| Egg Production | Moderate |
| Egg Color | Cream to light brown |
| Temperament | Docile, friendly |
| Feathering | Feathered legs and feet, Muff, Beard |
| Varieties | Mille Fleur, Porcelain, Self Blue, others |
Facts About Belgian d’Uccle Chicken
- Belgian d’Uccle is a rare breed of chicken.
- Raising this one can be beneficial in eggs or as pets.
- They develop quite slowly, so avoid keeping them for producing meat.
- This breed is capable of laying 150 or more little white eggs annually.
- These are a wonderful option for backyard flocks because they are quite calm hens.
- Belgian d’Uccle, raised in Belgium, are tolerant of cold temperatures and are known for their hardiness.
You can see the video about this unique appearance of the chicken breed.
3. Silkie Chicken
Another fluffy animal with Chinese origins! Developed in the 17th century, silkie chickens were introduced to Europe in the 19th century. The feathered legs and toes, along with their fluffy, silk-like plumage, give Silkies their unique appearance.
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Small to Medium |
| Weight | 2-3 pounds (standard), 1-2 pounds (bantam) |
| Purpose | Ornamental, Pet, Broody |
| Egg Production | Low to Moderate |
| Egg Color | Cream to tinted |
| Temperament | Docile, Friendly |
| Feathering | Profuse, Soft, Feathered Legs and Feet |
| Varieties | Bearded and Non-bearded, Various Colors |
Facts About Silkie Chicken
- Originally, silkies were raised for ornamental purposes.
- A distinctive feature of silkies is their fifth toe, a genetic characteristic that is recessive.
- A variety of hatcheries and breeders provide silkies, a very widespread breed of chicken.
- A flexible breed of chicken, silkies can be raised for eggs, as pets, or for display.
- Not a wise decision to keep such fancy feather-foot chicken breeds for producing meat.
- Roughly 150 eggs can be laid by them annually.
- They are quite friendly to children.
- A type of chicken that is resistant to cold temperatures, unlike the Cochin variety.
Look at the video to see their fluffiness! I am pretty sure you’ll like it!
4. Brahma Chicken (Autosexing Breed)
Brahma chickens are an American breed that originated in the Chinese port city of Shanghai. You’re set if your goal is to raise some large hens for poultry!
In the middle of the 1800s, Brahma chickens were brought to the US. Their remarkable size and dual-purpose capabilities helped them become well-known.
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 9-12 pounds (hen), 12-18 pounds (rooster) |
| Purpose | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs), Ornamental |
| Egg Production | Moderate |
| Egg Color | Brown |
| Temperament | Docile, Friendly |
| Feathering | Feathered Legs and Feet |
| Varieties | Light, Dark, Buff, and more |
Facts About Brahma Chicken
- Brahmas breed is recognizable by their large size, feathery feet along with legs, impressive plumage pattern, and soft temperament.
- Their “booted” appearance is caused by the feathers that fall down their shanks and toes.
- They are frequently kept in both urban and rural environments. Brahma chickens are calm, versatile birds. Thus, the production of meat and eggs is confirmed!
- They can lay between 150 and 200 eggs a year on average.
- A common feature of Brahma chickens in poultry shows is their striking look and impressive size.
5. Pekin Bantam Chicken
Chinese origins give rise to the Pekin Bantam. Originating in Europe in the 19th century, but thought to have been developed in the 18th century.
Pekin bantam birds were originally bred as exhibition chickens. Their feathered feet and legs and plenty of soft plumage make them quite attractive.
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Small (Bantam) |
| Weight | 1-1.25 pounds (hen), 1.25-1.75 pounds (rooster) |
| Purpose | Ornamental, Exhibition, Pet |
| Egg Production | Low |
| Egg Color | Tinted to Cream |
| Temperament | Gentle, Friendly |
| Feathering | Feathered Legs and Feet, Profuse Plumage |
| Varieties | Numerous, including various colors and patterns |
Facts About Bantam Chicken from Pekin
- Pekin exhibits greater attraction because of its wide range of colors and designs. Specifically, the feather foot!
- Such a breed can be a poultry show participant with their unique look.
- They are not recognized for producing a lot of meat or eggs. You’ll get about 100–150 tiny white eggs every year.
- They are suitable as pets because of their soft and calm behavior.
6. Booted Bantam Chicken
The Dutch Booted Bantam, or Booted Bantam chicken, originated in the Netherlands. Its development is thought to have occurred in the 17th century. During the 1800s, the breed was brought to England.
Such small hens are distinguished by their feathered feet and legs, as well as by their beard and muff. The unusual “V” or “U” shape in the feathers on the rear of this breed’s legs helped it become well-known.
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Small (Bantam) |
| Weight | 1-1.25 pounds (hen), 1.25-1.75 pounds (rooster) |
| Purpose | Ornamental, Exhibition |
| Egg Production | Low to Moderate |
| Egg Color | Tinted to Cream |
| Temperament | Docile, Friendly |
| Feathering | Feathered Legs and Feet, Muff, Beard |
| Varieties | Various Colors, Bearded and Non-bearded |
Facts About Booted Bantam Chicken
- The distinguishing characteristic of Booted Bantams’ legs is their “boots.”
- There are variants that have beards and non-beards.
- Booted Bantams are well-liked by pet owners who value beautiful and distinctive chicken breeds for poultry exhibitions.
- Because of their small stature, they are not recognized for producing a lot of meat or eggs. They only lay 120 eggs every year.
- Their calm and amiable nature makes them ideal companions.
- Such breeds prefer to remain in small coops and yards.
7. Malaysian Serama Chicken
The rare and smallest bantam chicken breed is the Malaysian Serema. The early 2000s saw the development of this breed, which immediately became well-known for its small size and amiable temperament.
Wait a minute! I discovered through my research that Malaysian vs American. Serama game where they differ in their body kinds! But other characteristics have similarities.
There are different sizes of Serama chicken; the A-Class is the smallest category and weighs less than 13 ounces. There is no particular requirement for feathering on the legs, and their feathers might be frizzled or smooth.
However, I cannot keep myself away from listing them as the fancy feather foot chicken breed.
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Very Small to A Class |
| Weight | A Class: under 13 ounces (Adults) |
| Purpose | Ornamental, Pet, Exhibition, Hobby |
| Egg Production | Low |
| Egg Color | Tinted to Cream |
| Temperament | Friendly, Active |
| Feathering | Variable, Smooth to Frizzled, No Specific Feathered Legs |
Facts About Malaysian Serema Chicken
- The Malaysian Serama chicken is a multipurpose breed perfect as pets or for exhibition.
- They lay about 50 to 100 eggs are laid annually.
- Given how long it takes to grow, it is not a good option for meat chickens.
- They are significantly quiet and calm-natured.
- A moderate amount of space is enough to keep them.
- Although other breeds are found nearby, Serama chickens are found from – specialty breeders, internet sites, or poultry exhibitions.
8. Mille Fleur Bantam Chicken
Early in the 20th century, Belgium gave birth to the fluffy Mille Fleur Bantam chicken breed. The Polish chicken and the Barbu d’Uccle chicken are thought to have crossed to create it.
This breed has a small head, is rounded, and has just one tiny comb on it. Along with short, feathery legs, it has a compact, well-rounded torso.
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Small (Bantam) |
| Weight | 1-2 pounds (hen), 1.25-2.5 pounds (rooster) |
| Purpose | Ornamental, Exhibition |
| Egg Production | Low to Moderate |
| Egg Color | Tinted to Cream |
| Temperament | Docile, Friendly |
| Feathering | Feathered Legs and Feet, Muff, Beard |
| Varieties | Mille Fleur (thousand flowers pattern) |
Facts About Mille Fleur Bantam Chicken
- They are popular and unique for the multicolored plumage, which we call the “thousand flowers” pattern.
- The primary purposes of Mille Fleur Bantams are in exhibitions and as ornamental.
- Mille Fleur Bantam chickens lay between 100 and 200 eggs annually, which is good for their size.
- Such breeds are not good for meat production as they are compact-sized fowl.
- They’re calm, amiable hens that make excellent friends.
9. Faverolles Chicken
Faverolles chicken is a medium-sized breed with beautiful feathers on its feet. They first appeared in the vicinity of the villages of Houdan and Faverolles in North Central France in the 1860s.
Faverolles hens are distinguished by their rounder heads, small, single combs, and broad bodies with short backs and deep chests. The good news is these breeds are quite popular and available all around.
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium to Large |
| Weight | 6-8 pounds (hen), 8-10 pounds (rooster) |
| Purpose | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs), Ornamental |
| Egg Production | Moderate to High |
| Egg Color | Light Brown |
| Temperament | Docile, Friendly |
| Feathering | Soft, Fluffy, Feathered Legs and Feet |
| Varieties | Salmon, White, Black, Blue, Splash |
Facts About Faverolles Chickens
- Since the latter village served as the inspiration for the breed’s name, the singular is thus Faverolles, not Faverolle.
- Favorolles are a dual-purpose breed that excels at producing both meat and eggs.
- These breeds are capable of producing 200 big, brown eggs.
- They can make wonderful pets because they are a kind and gentle type of chicken.
- Keeping them for exhibition or ornamental purposes won’t be any less acceptable idea.
10. Sultan Chicken
The Sultan chicken originated in the 14th century in the Ottoman Empire. It was first kept in the gardens of sultans and other members of the nobility. This breed is said to have been derived from native Turkish chicken varieties.
They have feathered legs, an abundance of soft white feathers, and a feathered crest on their heads. However, they are not good to keep for poultry farm purposes.
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Small to Medium |
| Weight | 2-3 pounds (standard), 1-1.25 pounds (bantam) |
| Purpose | Ornamental, Exhibition |
| Egg Production | Low |
| Egg Color | White to Tinted |
| Temperament | Docile, Friendly |
| Feathering | Profuse, Soft, Feathered Legs and Feet |
| Varieties | White, Blue, Black, and others |
Facts About Sultan Chicken
- Sultan chickens have a distinctive appearance with a globular crest and fifth toe.
- They are a rare kind of breed that is not available everywhere.
- This breed is primarily raised for exhibition purposes.
- Not a good layer, and it is bad at producing meat.
- They have the ability to tolerate cold temperatures with their docile nature.
- Such beautiful medium-sized chickens don’t need a lot of space to live.
- They can be good pets and companions in your house.
11. Frizzle Chicken
Frizzle chicken has another level of look with frizzled feathers. Although I cannot say the exact origin, they caught the popularity batch during the 19th century in England.
Frizzled feathers are a genetic trait, and Frizzle chickens can be found in various breeds, including Cochins, Polish, and others. And you can get one as a pet from breeders, hatcheries, or poultry shows.
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Frizzled, Soft, Feathered Legs and Feet |
| Weight | Varies |
| Purpose | Ornamental, Exhibition |
| Egg Production | Moderate |
| Egg Color | Varies |
| Temperament | Docile, Friendly |
| Feathering | Frizzled, Soft, Feathered Legs, and Feet |
| Varieties | Various, including Cochin, Polish, and others |
Facts About Frizzle Chicken
- A genetic mutation changes the structure of feathers and develops frizzled feathers.
- Frizzles are more attractive and ornamental due to their silky, smooth plumage.
- They are appropriate for families and frequently make good pets.
- Frizzle hens usually lay around 100–150 small to medium-sized white eggs a year.
- They are moderately hardy chickens, so they require extra attention when living in cold or other severe environments.
12. French Maran Chicken
The French Marans chicken is a dual-purpose breed of medium-sized and beautiful feet feathers. This chicken breed came in the 19th century in the Marans region of France. In the same century, Marans chickens were brought into the United Kingdom.
French Marans can be medium to giant in size, so it’s your choice whether you’re comfortable or not. But the looks gonna attract you for sure!
They have medium-sized combs, fancy feathered legs, and sleek, glossy plumage. Particularly in areas where raising poultry is highly valued, French Marans are both accessible and quite well-liked.
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium to Large |
| Weight | 6-8 pounds (hen), 7-9 pounds (rooster) |
| Purpose | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Egg Production | Moderate to High |
| Egg Color | Dark Brown |
| Temperament | Calm, Docile |
| Feathering | Medium, Sleek |
| Varieties | Black Copper, Wheaten, others |
Facts About French Marans
- The French Marans provide distinctive chocolate brown to lighter-shaded eggs.
- French Marans are frequently featured in poultry events because of their unique appearance.
- A rooster’s broad chest and strong legs give it away as being larger than a hen’s.
- Calm and submissive temperaments are something more lovelier.
- For homesteads and small farms, they are a perfect dual-purpose chicken that can lay eggs and provide high-quality meat.
- This breed can surprisingly lay 200–250 eggs per year.
13. Langshan Chicken
The last breed of chicken with fancy feathered feet is the Langshan chicken. They originated in the 19th century in the Langshan district of Jiangsu province, and they are originally from China. However, the breed was first available in the US in the 1870s.
Langshan chickens are regarded as a large chicken breed. Their glossy plumage comes in black, white, or blue hues and is heavily feathered on the legs and feet. Interestingly, roosters frequently have long, flowing tail feathers.
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 6-9 pounds (hen), 8-12 pounds (rooster) |
| Purpose | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Egg Production | Moderate |
| Egg Color | Brown |
| Temperament | Docile, Friendly |
| Feathering | Soft, Abundant, Feathered Legs and Feet |
| Varieties | Black, White, Blue |
Facts About Langshan Chicken
- Not as popular as the other chicken breeds I mentioned. So, you’ll rarely find them.
- A great dual-purpose chicken that can produce both meat and eggs.
- Typically, 200–250 brown eggs are produced annually.
- The mild and gentle nature of Langshan hens is quite impressive.
- They can be a perfect breed suited for backyard settings.
Advantages and Disadvantages Of Having Feathered Feet
Keeping chickens with feathered feet has both good and bad facts. Although good facts are much more, you should keep the negatives in mind as well. It’ll help you to select the right breed in your yard.
5 Advantages Of Having Fancy Feather Foot
- Warmth: Feathered feet provide extra insulation, which can help chickens stay warm in cold weather.
- Protection: Feathered feet can help protect chickens from injuries, such as cuts and scrapes.
- Traction: Feathered feet can help chickens get a better grip on slippery surfaces.
- Camouflage: Feathered feet can help chickens blend in with their surroundings, which can make them less likely to be preyed upon.
- Ornamental: Some people find feathered feet to be attractive and ornamental.
5 Disadvantages of Having Fancy Feather Foot
- Moisture: Feathered feet can become wet and muddy, which can lead to foot rot and other problems.
- Mites: Feathered feet can provide a home for mites, which can cause itching and discomfort.
- Grooming: Feathered feet can require more grooming than bare feet.
- Show quality: Feathering on the feet can be considered a fault in some breeds of chickens, which can prevent them from being shown.
- Heat: Feathered feet can also make chickens more susceptible to heat stress in hot weather.
Bottom Line
So, now you get introduced to the 13 fancy feather foot chicken breeds. They are distinctive for their feather and plumage and also their overall appearance. Most of them are good for ornamental or exhibition purposes.
Besides, some are multipurpose chickens with egg and meat-producing abilities along with becoming pet companions. Most of them are found to purchase, but some are rare and tough to get until the breeders breed. However, I personally love to keep such fancy feather-foot chickens.
Recommended Readings:
- Quietest Chicken Breeds
- 19 Best Rooster Breeds
- Most Aggressive Chicken Breeds
- Which Chickens Lay Purple Eggs
Sources and References:
- https://breeds.okstate.edu/poultry/chickens/cochin-chickens.html
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579119539815?ref=pdf_download&fr=RR-2&rr=8287e996d9734e9b
