5 Chicken Breeds with 5 Toes (with Images)

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.