Is is possible to have a silkie with only 4 toes?

[mom2chicksandpups]

I have read that Silkies have 5 toes. I got 10 from Ideal today and most of them do. I did notice that one has only 4 toes on each foot, though. They marked my chicks with colored dots on their heads, so I am certain this is "supposed to" be a Silkie. Would it be something else because it has only 4 toes?

Honestly, I don't care if they aren't show quality as long as they are good pets. I just wanted to get the type of chick that I paid for.

Thanks!

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Yes, it means its pet quality. Thats not uncommon for hatchery silkies.

 

[mom2chicksandpups]

Thanks. I will still love it, but just wanted to be sure it could actually be a Silkie. That's what I figured, but had to ask.

I usually end up choosing my favorites based on personality more than appearance, so you never know... This little guy/gal may still be a keeper!

 

[jywel417]

I actually got 4 silkie chicks last week from people that only had silkies in the breeding pen and in the surrounding pens. They are def all 4 silkies and could have gotten all of them with 5 toes on each foot but I was picking cute babies with color I liked since they are pets and not breeding quality. I have 2 with 4 toes, one has 4 toes on one foot and 5 on the other foot, and then one with 5 toes on each foot

It was my understanding that 4 toes isn't uncommon in hatchery/pet silkies

but I am new

Hope you are enjoying your little fluffy babies as much as I am enjoying mine !!!

 

[chickenbuddy0]

Hey, I 've had pet silkies for years and occasionally you will get one like that . I like it--- seem's like they can walk alittle better.

 

[Teresaann24]

Having 4 toes does not mean they are mixed or make them any less then a beautiful silkie. I have saw some very quality silkies with 4 toes it just happens somewhere down the line with genetics. I have a beautiful show quality girl who is throwing 4 toe babies but also some with 5 toes thats growing up to be beautiful then she is. So if your wanting quality you rid the ones with 4 toes but if your not showing and they are for your pleasure then 4 toes is not bad for a silkie only for showing and breeding. I know some may to breed out the 4 toes and some do breed it out but down the line it may or can show up again.

 

[MichiganWoods]

So if they have anything more than 4 toes they can be considered better than pet quality?

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

No; 6 toes is also PQ. 5 toes are the only acceptable # for SQ; anything else is a DQ.