Chicken Breeds With Feathered Feet

Chickens have feathers, that’s obvious. But which chicken breeds have feathered feet? The feature is rather unusual, especially if you’re not used to seeing more ornamental breeds. That is why today we are going to introduce 10 breeds of chicken that have feathered feet, so you can decide if these cute and fascinating birds will fit into your flock.

1. Croad Langshan

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Hailing from the Langshan region of China, this breed was later imported into the UK in 1872. A man named Major Croad wanted to feature the breed in a poultry show. Since then, this breed has gained popularity in both the UK and US. Croad

Langshan chickens are usually white, but they also come in black feathers that shine with a soft green iridescence. Since they are on the taller side, their legs aren’t as feathered as some other breeds on this list. These birds are very calm and lovable, so you can keep them as pets.

One of the famous characteristics of the Croad Langshan is its eggs. Often, they lay brown eggs in a variety of shades, but there is always a chance you’ll have a hen lay a gorgeous plum-colored egg.

2. Belgian d’Uccle

The Belgian d’Uccle is a colorful chicken that is sure to get your flock plenty of compliments. Both the roosters and hens are stunning with their iridescent feathers and feathered feet. In fact, because of their coloring and prideful stance, they are nicknamed “living flowers.”

Belgian d’Uccles are calm chickens and are rarely aggressive. They are small and tend to be bullied, as well. When placed among other small breeds, they will thrive and spend plenty of time foraging. However, they also love human contact.

While they lay eggs, they’re not that great at it. Expect about 120 eggs a year.

3. Cochin

Being that Cochins have feathers covering nearly every part of their body, you can’t help but look at them in amazement. While they might not have the colors and patterns of a Brahma or Belgian d’Uccle, these are gorgeous chickens to add to the flock. They were first found in China during the 1840s and are considered similar to Brahma and Langshan chickens.

These soft, fluffy, and tall chickens have so many feathers around their legs that it is difficult to see their feet. Their yellow eyes contrast with their bright red combs, earlobes, and wattles. Despite their large wings, the Cochin breed can’t fly.

Cochin chickens are known to be very calm and contained. They don’t like foraging all that much, and they are highly adaptable to smaller confines. When in good care, a Cochin hen produces about 150 eggs a year, but you will have to be careful, as the hens get extremely broody.

Due to their excess of feathers, Cochin chickens do not do well in heat. You will need to provide them with a shaded and well-ventilated place. Also, they have large appetites despite a lower activity level.

4. Booted Bantam

The Booted Bantam, also known as the Dutch Booted Bantam or Sablepoot, is commonly confused for the Belgian d’Uccle. Rest assured that these are different breeds! Unlike the d’Uccle, the Sablepoot doesn’t have a beard around their head and tend to stand a little taller than their cousins. Plus, you can find Booted Bantam chickens in 20 colors, including the ever popular Mille Fleur color.

The Booted Bantam is very much an ornamental bird who needs generous amounts of TLC. Because of that, they are often called Supermodels. Don’t expect your Booted Bantam to lay a ton of eggs or be very good at foraging. However, they do tend to be easygoing and love human contact, making them a wonderful pet.

5. French Marans

There are English and French Marans, but only the French have a light amount of feathering on the feet. While their feathered legs might not be as impressive as some breeds, the French Maran is an excellent addition to your backyard. They are a mix of different species and come in colors like Golden Cuckoo, Brown, Red, Salmon, Birchen, and more.

These birds aren’t fluffy but rather sleek and strong looking. They have large breasts, short wings, and red earlobes and wattles. Known for their deep brown eggs, French Marans can make you a profit if you decide to sell their eggs.

In terms of temperament, the French Marans is a bit of a wild card. You might get a chicken who wants to be pet and given treats, but they aren’t known for cuddling. On the other hand, some French Maran birds will shy away from contact completely, preferring to spend their day foraging.

The downside to this breed is that they don’t handle the cold well and may get frostbite. They also need to have their feet examined regularly, as parasites could dwell there.

6. Brahma

There is no denying that the Brahma is a beautiful bird. The colors of their feathers, along with the patterning, is very intricate. They are also medium- or large-sized chickens who can lay eggs. Those eggs can be either dark, light, or buff. Since they are both large and produce plenty of eggs, Brahmas are often used for food. However, that isn’t to say that this marvelous breed isn’t up for being a loving companion.

7. Silkie

Did you know that the Silkie was developed in China during the 13^th century? Now you do. Silkies are distinct in their physical characteristics and have silken feathers. Normally, you can pick a Silkie out from the crowd just by its fuzzy head. Though available in many colors, you will find most silkies to be white and have dark blue or black skin, which is visible around the eyes.

While these birds aren’t the best at laying eggs or foraging, they do make excellent mothers. If you have chickens that don’t like to go broody, just give their eggs to a silkie hen and she’ll take care of it. Silkies also don’t mind being treated like pets, so they make great companions for children.

8. Faverolle

The Faverolle chicken breed was developed by crossing Houdans, Cochins, and Dorkings together in France. They are a dual-purpose breed with two available colors: White and Salmon. However, their feathers are a rainbow of color. Faverolles also have fluff around the face, small wattles, a 5-pointed comb, and striking red eyes.

In short, they’re a beautiful breed. They’re also an energetic, comical bird that loves being with people. You won’t meet an aggressive Faverolle chicken, and they also love to forage. You can also get up to 200 pink eggs from them a year.

The only downside to Faverolle chickens is that they often collect parasites under their thick feathers. You will have to check their skin periodically and keep a look out for infestation. Otherwise, these are hardy chickens that will rarely get sick.

9. Pekin

Also known as the Cochin China Bantam, the Pekin, named for its place of origin, is a cute little bird with a round body. Their fluffy plumage is a highlight of the breed. While they are tiny, they are also very smart, companionable, and friendly. Most chicken keepers love this breed, because they will happily sit on your lap and take treats from your hand.

Just keep in mind that Pekin Bantam roosters can be aggressive when they mature. This makes them protective of the flock but not very friendly.

The Pekin is hardy and does well in a small, enclosed run. While they aren’t as strong as larger breeds, they rarely develop health conditions (aside from lice). Make sure you give them plenty of dust baths.

10. Sultan

The Sultan is an ornamental breed of chicken originating from Turkey, where it is known as Serai Tarook, meaning ‘Sultan’s Fowl.’ During the Ottoman Empire, the Sultans would keep these lovely birds in their gardens. Though small in size, this breed of chicken has impressive plumage. This breed is available in several colors, though white is the most common.

They have large muffs and crests on their heads and five toes on their feet.

As mentioned, Sultans are a small breed and were not bred to fend for themselves. They do well in confinement and shouldn’t be left alone (or out in terrible weather). That said, because of their size, they are often the victims of chicken bullying. Be sure to put them together with other friendly breeds of chickens or keep just a few as loving pets.

In this video you can look at such beautiful chickens in motion:

Conclusion

While these 10 chicken breeds with feathered feet may have one thing in common, they all look different. Most of the breeds are known to be docile and friendly birds. Many of them are used for egg-laying or pets, though some of the breeds are considered dual purpose. Given how lovely many of these breeds are, you should definitely consider adding some chickens with feathered feet to your flock.