Our Breeding Program

At Elara Silkies, our breeding program is built on a foundation of health, temperament, and adherence to breed standards. We carefully select our parent stock based on strong genetics, sound health, and key Silkie traits to improve the breed with every generation.

Selective Breeding & Genetics

We focus on preserving and enhancing the hallmark characteristics of the Silkie breed, including:
✔ Silky Feathering – Soft, fur-like feathers caused by a lack of barbicels, making them unique among poultry.
✔ Black Skin & Five Toes – True to the breed’s standard, all our breeders display the correct pigmentation and toe count.
✔ Crest Size & Shape – We select for well-rounded, full crests without obstructing vision, as this affects confidence and temperament.
✔ Body Type & Stance – Compact, broad bodies with a well-balanced stance, following the Silkie breed standard.
✔ Vibrant Blue Earlobes – A sign of strong Silkie genetics and an important distinguishing feature.
✔ Calm & Friendly Temperament – Handled from an early age, our birds are raised in a family-friendly environment and socialized with kids, dogs, cats, horses, and cattle.

We also work to reduce genetic faults, such as:
❌ Incorrect feather texture (e.g., hard feathers)
❌ Extra or fused toes
❌ Poor body structure or weak immune systems

Ethical Breeding & Care

Our breeding practices prioritize quality over quantity. We avoid overbreeding and ensure all our chickens receive the nutrition and care needed for optimal growth and development.

Every chick is monitored from hatch, and any health concerns are addressed immediately. Our goal is to raise birds that are not only beautiful but also strong, healthy, and well-socialized, making them ideal for both hobbyists and breeders alike.