Feather footed chickens are a great addition to your flock if you’re looking for something new. You can find chickens with fully feathered legs and breeds with giant bell bottoms.
Other than looks feathered feet don’t offer any extra benefits. Even though it would be really cool if it gave the ability to walk on water like the basilisk lizard.
There are a few challenges unique to keeping birds with feathered feet. Most are environmental and easy to solve but one is medical in nature.
The biggest issue is with mud. I free range my birds and living in the North East we get lots of it. There are actually very few months where there isn’t at least a little mud.
The problem with mud and chickens with feathers on their feet shows up in the nest box. All those lovely feathers carry mud from the ground, into the nest box and onto the eggs.
I don’t wash fresh eggs unless absolutely necessary, the really gross ones go into a carton for my dog and the rest get wiped off before use.
You don’t need feathered feet to get mud on your eggs, but it’s a much bigger problem with chickens that have feathers.
Chickens come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, but some breeds stand out for their fabulously fluffy feet. Chicken breeds with feathers on their feet are eye-catching thanks to their furry “boots” and give backyard flocks an extra dose of personality and charm.
If you’ve ever wondered what breeds sport fluffy feet or how to care for these feathered-legged fowls, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about these chickens that are ready to strut their stuff in style.
An Overview of Feather-Footed Chicken Breeds
Many breeds of chicken have feathers all over their bodies, but only some breeds have long, fluffy feathers on their feet. This trait is caused by a dominant genetic mutation called ptilopody, which makes feathers grow where scales normally only grow.
Feathered leg breeds originated primarily in China and Europe where the extra insulation helped protect chickens from cold winters. Their fluffy feet also served as a defense against predators attempting to grab them.
People keep chickens with feathers on their feet more as decorations these days because they look so different.
Some of the most popular feather-footed chicken breeds include:
- Cochins
- Brahmas
- Silkies
- Sultans
- Faverolles
- Booted Bantams
- Langshans
- Belgian d’Uccles
While individual breeds have their own distinct characteristics, most feathered leg chickens share qualities like calm, friendly personalities and hardiness in cold climates. Their fluffy feet also require a bit more maintenance to keep clean and free of debris.
The Benefits of Feather-Footed Chickens
Fluffy feet certainly look lovely, but they serve an important purpose beyond fashion. Here are some of the benefits feathered leg breeds offer:
Cold Protection
The key advantage of feathered feet is insulation against frigid temperatures. The plumage helps prevent frostbite on chickens’ toes and shanks during winter. Feathered leg breeds tend to thrive in colder climates where their foot fuzz acts like natural leg warmers.
Docile Personalities
Most of the time, chickens with feathered feet are calm and friendly, even more so than chickens without feathers. Many are gentle enough for children to handle. They aren’t usually too scared or mean, so families and people who have never owned chickens before can get them.
Visually Striking
Let’s face it, feathered feet simply look spectacular. They give chickens a graceful, ornamental appearance perfect for showing or just adding visual interest to a backyard flock. The breeds sporting poufs of plumage on their feet certainly stand out in a crowd.
Potential Drawbacks of Feathered Feet
Of course, fabulously feathered feet don’t come without some challenges to consider:
Mess Magnets
Those fluffy feathers unfortunately love trapping dirt, mud, and moisture. Feathered leg chickens often end up with clumped, mucky feet. Keeping their foot feathers clean takes regular maintenance.
Increased Health Risks
Wet, dirty feathers can lead to problems like bacterial infections and foot issues. Pests like mites and lice can also easily hide in foot fluff. Checks and prevention are essential.
Possible Frostbite
In a strange way, the feathers that are supposed to keep legs warm in the winter can sometimes make chickens more vulnerable. Wet feathers in cold temperatures can actually accelerate frostbite.
Physical Hazards
Overly long, unkempt foot feathers can snag on surroundings or wrap around legs, posing injury risks. Trimming and monitoring are key to safety.
Caring for Feather-Footed Chickens
While fabulous, feathers on feet do require some specialized care. Here are tips for keeping your flock’s foot fuzz in fabulous form:
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Provide a dust bathing station for fluff-footed chickens to naturally preen and clean their feathers.
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Check feet weekly and trim any overly long or dirty feathers. Clean off mud and manure clumps gently.
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Use absorbent bedding in the coop and elevate water dishes to minimize moisture. Wet conditions can cause health issues.
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Boost feathered chickens’ immunity and deter pests with supplements like garlic, oregano, and diatomaceous earth.
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Monitor for issues like bumblefoot, frostbitten toes, and infections, treating promptly under a vet’s guidance. Prevention is ideal.
With a little extra effort, your fancy-footed ladies (and gentlemen) can stay happy and healthy while dazzling your flock with their spectacular style!
Top Feather-Footed Chicken Breeds
If you’re ready to add a pair of fluffy footed chickens to your backyard flock, these breeds are fantastic options to consider:
1. Cochin
Covered in fluff from head to toe, Cochins are basically the chickens of people’s dreams. Their abundant, long feathering extends down their legs and over their toes. Despite their size, they have gentle dispositions perfect for families. While not the best egg layers, they make up for it with their friendly personalities.
2. Brahma
Also hailing from China, Brahma chickens have feathers covering their legs as well as pea combs thought to protect them from frostbite. Their large size – up to 12 pounds – gives them a commanding presence. Beneath their imposing stature, Brahmas are mellow giants that handle cold weather exceptionally well.
3. Silkie
Prized for their atypical appearance, Silkies are the lapdogs of the chicken world. Their entire body is covered in fluffy, downy plumage resembling fur. Though they have feathers on their legs and toes, their foot feathering is less abundant than other breeds. Beyond their fluff, Silkies are known for being calm, docile and liking human contact.
4. Sultan
Hailing from Turkey, Sultans distinguish themselves with their puffy head crests and abundant foot feathering. Their legs are a bit thinner than other feather-foot breeds, but still completely covered in fluff. Sultans are more delicate due to their small size and elaborate plumage. But they still make pleasing ornamental additions to flocks in need of fanciness.
5. Faverolles
This French breed stands out for their beards, muffs, and extra toe feathering. They also have feathers covering their shanks down to their toes. Faverolles have quirky personalities to match their eccentric style. They tend to be excellent, dependable layers while supplying plenty of flock entertainment.
6. Booted Bantam
A true bantam breed, Booted Bantams were created by crossing Belgian d’Uccles and Sultans to achieve their signature look. Long feathers adorn their thighs and shanks but don’t extend to their toes. Beyond their fashionable feet, Booted Bantams are spirited, active little chickens perfect for backyard flocks seeking beauty and liveliness.
So whether you’re looking to add ornamental flair or weather-hardy functionality, chickens boasting feathers on their feet have much to offer backyard flocks. Just be sure to provide any fluff-footed ladies the extra attention they need to keep their fabulous leggings in top form. Soon your chickens will be strutting their stuff in style!
Longer Distance to the Nest Boxes
It also helps if they need to take a longer walk from the door of the coop to the nest boxes, depending on the layout and size of your coop that may not be possible.
The further they have to walk through the bedding, the more time it has to soak up some of the mud and wetness.
Keeping Eggs Clean During the Mud Season
Assuming you can’t avoid the mud and you need to let your birds outside there are a few things you can do to keep the mess down.
Try to keep a thick layer of bedding on the floor of the coop. Wood shavings, straw, or dried leaves work well. It’ll help get the mud off their feet as they walk in to the coop.
what kind of chicken is this with feather in the feet
FAQ
What chickens have feathers on their feet?
Several chicken breeds have feathers on their feet, including Brahmas, Cochins, Silkies, Faverolles, and Langshans.
Why do my chickens have feathers on their feet?
Some chicken breeds naturally have feathers on their feet due to their genetics.
Do all Brahma chickens have feathers on their feet?
Yes, all Brahma chickens, regardless of color variety, are known for having feathered feet.
What breed is the black chicken with feathered feet?
The Booted Bantam, which is also called the Dutch Booted Bantam, is a charming and unique breed of chicken that is known for having feathered feet. These delightful little birds are characterized by their unusual appearance, friendly nature, and historical significance.