Most chickens have four feet. A few rare breeds, however, have a fifth foot. These chickens are polydactyl. The fifth toe is not really beneficial, but some breeds, such as the Silkie and Dorking, consider it a standard. A Dorking with four toes would be considered a genetic defect and count against the chicken.
The five distinct chicken breeds with five toes have been listed. Let’s take a closer inspection of each one.
1. Dorking
Although the Dorking chicken is an old breed, it originated in the Dorking region of the UK. However, it was originally found in other regions such as Kent, Sussex, and Surrey. This region was known for its great-tasting chickens, which were also popular as meat breeds. The breed is thought to have originated in Roman times. The breed is still popular today as a table fowl but it is also a popular egg producer.
While the Dorking can be found in many colors, it is most common to find them in white, colored, and silver-gray. However, this color is endangered so it is unlikely you will ever see it again.
The Dorking is a large breed that weighs around 8 pounds. Dorkings have short legs and large breasts which ensures they get meat in the right places. Although the Dorking breed can lay 200 eggs per year, it is known to be happier than other breeds. This friendly breed is happy to be free-ranged and can make a great addition to any coop.
2. Faverolle
The Faverolle can be talkative and noisy and is a bit of a comedian. Because they are very pet-like, owners tend to appreciate their Faverolles. They are named after the small French village where they were born.
Because they were equally at home in a cage than free-range, they became very popular. They are originally from France and made their way to the UK, then the USA. Faverolles have five toes and a beard which gives them a fluffy, elongated face.
They are approximately 7 pounds in weight and can be cuddly birds. They can lay approximately 200 eggs per year, but some owners claim that their Faverolles are particularly broody, which can cause a halt to egg laying.
3. Houdan
Faverolle was introduced to replace the French breed of Houdan, which did not like being kept in a cage. This was the Houdan breed, and the Faverolle is an old French breed that has five toes on each foot.
This bird is considered very heavy, weighing at least 8 pounds. It can be difficult to obtain if you live far from the breed’s home.
The Houdan, like the Faverolle, has a beard. It is a sweet and friendly breed that can be handled easily and makes an excellent addition to the coop.
4. Sultan
The Sultan breed is a Turkish native and was kept originally by Turkish royalty. They are friendly, loving, loyal, and well-bred. They are entertaining for their unusual white feathery legs and bright white feathers on their heads.
The Sultan’s positive characteristics, such as friendliness, sweetness, and kindness, make them not very hardy. They should not be left alone in the coop. They are more likely to be picked up if they have overbearing breeds and are vulnerable to predation.
This breed is bred to have a unique appearance and personality. However,
It is not a bird to be served on the table, nor a prolific layer. You should consider carefully before you purchase Sultan chicken.
5. Silkie Bantam
The Silkie Bantam, like the Sultan, is an ornamental breed. They are not raised for meat production and, although they do lay eggs they are not prolific egg layers.
They are truly unique. They have five toes instead of the usual four. Their silky, fluffy feathered coat is incredibly unique. They are true bantam chickens and weigh only 2 pounds.
Although they do lay around 100 eggs per year, it is important to note that these eggs are very small. If you want to have a variety that will fill your mornings with eggs, you’ll need to find another breed.
Last Thoughts
Although humans should have five toes, this rare characteristic isn’t common in chickens. It doesn’t offer any benefit to either the chicken or the owner. It is an unusual feature that only five chicken breeds (across breeds included) have.
Before you choose a breed, consider other factors such as friendliness and egg-laying capacity. You might also consider adding a fifth foot to your coop.
Are five-toed chickens uncommon?
Having five toes is unusual in chickens and a pleasant feature that just a few breeds have. Having an additional toe provides no known benefits to the chickens; it is simply a quirky breed standard. This fifth toe usually sits on top of the first toe, technically known as the hallux, at the rear of the foot.
Is it normal for Silkies to have five toes?
Silkies also have black or blueish skin, feathery feet, and five toes instead of the typical four. Silkie hens can be born with vaulted heads and bearded beards. Vaulted skulls are those with a hole in the top. This is analogous to the soft areas found in human newborns.
What exactly is a Silkie?
Silkies are among the bigger bantam kinds, but they are still quite little, and their distinctive fluffy feathers set them apart from the rest. Silkie chickens are distinguished by their distinctively fluffy plumage, which is reported to feel silky or satiny to the touch.
Roosters have how many toes?
Chickens have four toes in total, three in front of the foot and one in behind. Their toes are uniquely designed for perching.
Silkies have how many toes?
Silkies must have a little walnut-shaped comb, dark wattles, and turquoise-blue earlobes to be considered flawless. Silkies have five toes on each foot, in addition to these distinguishing traits. Dorking, Faverolles, Houdan, and Sultan are other breeds that have this unusual characteristic.
Is mystic onyx five-toed?
The Mystic Onyx breed is incredibly stunning and would make an excellent addition to a backyard flock. These chickens are the result of a cross between a Silkie and a meat-producing bird. As a result, they have distinct traits such as 5 toes, a feather crest on the top of their heads, and black skin.
A sapphire splash chicken is what it’s called?
A SHORT OVERVIEW. Our Sapphire SplashTM is a rebel version of our Sapphire Gem, with light to medium dark gray plumage and flecks of darker feathering all over its body. This Czech breed, like its other Czech relatives, performs admirably.
What exactly is a sapphire olive Egger?
Sapphire Olive Eggers is a new hybrid breed to us this year. They have a feathery crest on their heads and lay olive-colored eggs, which are sure to be a welcome addition to your egg basket. This hybrid is an excellent egg layer that adapts well to a variety of conditions, particularly warmer ones.
Is onyx a demonic stone?
According to folklore, onyx was the apparition of a demon imprisoned within the stone.
Why does my chick have five toes?
The attribute of having five toes is the result of a mutation that has happened on a regular basis throughout history. Dorking, Faverolle, Houdan, Silkie, and Sultan are our five chicken breeds with five toes.