How to Remove Feathers in Silkie Chickens

Silkie chickens have very fine, soft feathers giving them a characteristic fuzzy look. The feathers on their heads can grow to the point where they obscure the bird's vision. Some silkie owners opt to pluck the feathers around the bird's eyes so it can see, others trim the feathers with a pair of scissors. Some breeders who use silkies as brood hens also trim the feathers underneath the bird, so knots or tangles don't strangle chicks.

Things You'll Need

  • An assistant
  • Blunt-nose scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Have an assistant hold the chicken, so it won't run off.

    • 2

      Pluck the feathers by grasping a single feather near the base and giving a small yank. The feather will come out.

    • 3

      Trim the feathers by holding them near the tips and carefully cutting them with a pair of blunt-nose scissors. Be careful not to jab the bird by accident.

    • 4

      Pull or trim feathers until there is enough clearance around the bird's eye so it can see properly, then move to the other side.