Common Breeds of Chickens With Light Yellow Leg Plumage

Feather-legged chickens are very popular birds due to their attractive and unique plumage. Several breeds of chickens have feathering running down their legs and out on their toe or toes. These birds are heritage breeds used as pets and show stock, with many of these chickens of Asian decent, including the Cochin, Silkie and Brahma. The yellow leg plumage is most commonly seen on the buff birds or in crossbred birds. "Buff" is the term for varying degrees of yellow feathers. Feathering on the shank, or leg, is judged at shows according to specific styles and development expected for show birds.

  1. Cochin

    • Introduced to the West in the 19th century, this breed delighted audiences and enhanced many lines of birds. The Cochin is a large, docile bird with feathering down the shanks and out onto the toes. The buff variety has yellow leg plumage.The breed is cold-tolerant and hardy, though a slow and not prolific layer. They are prone to broodiness but are renowned for their personalities and friendly dispositions. Cochins often follow their owners around instead of foraging with the flock.

    Silkie

    • The silkie is a unique chicken with "furry" feathers due to their lacking the barbs of hard or normal-feathered birds. With their fluffy angora cat-like appearance, the silkie is a striking breed. Docile and quirky silkie chickens make excellent show and pet birds. Known for their friendliness and propensity to brood, the bird is hardy but needs protection from predators and wet weather. These lap chickens do not lay large numbers of eggs but make excellent setters of any eggs from ducks to gamebirds. The buff silkie has yellow leg feathering running down the shank to the toes. Silkies, like Cochins, have abundant leg feathering.

    Brahma

    • This large breed bird is another Asiatic breed with leg feathering. Introduced to excited crowds in the mid-19th century, the breed remains popular today. The birds are imposing and friendly with a calm nature. Cold-hardy and sturdy, they make attractive pets or barn additions. The birds lay extra-large eggs and will lay into the winter months. The breed needs fans and cooling in warmer climates. Choose the buff color for yellow leg feathering.

    Mixed Breeds

    • Mixed-breed birds are crosses between various purebred chickens. These birds are attractive and hardy, and like their "mutt" counterparts can make excellent pets and farm additions. Crosses from Silkies or Brahmas with other nonfeathered breeds can yield feather-legged chickens. Try crossing buff birds from various breeds to obtain unique yellow feather-legged birds with added qualities.