6 chickens with hairdos better than yours

Some chickens turn heads before they’ve even laid their first egg. These are the breeds with head feathers so unique they could pass for a runway look. While they add plenty of personality to the flock, their feather “styles” also bring some extra upkeep. You’ll need to keep an eye out for matting, mud, or anything that blocks their vision.

If you raise birds like these, be ready for the neighbors to stop and ask, “What is that?” more than once. They’re a conversation starter, a photo opportunity, and—if you’re honest—a little bit of a barnyard showpiece.

Polish

Polish chickens are famous for their large, rounded crests that often sway when they walk. These head feathers can grow so full they cover the eyes, which sometimes makes the birds more skittish. A quick trim or gentle tie-up can help them see better, especially in busy yards.

Their personalities tend to match their look—friendly but a little dramatic if startled. They thrive best in calm environments where they won’t get bullied, as their feather “hat” limits their peripheral vision.

Silkie

Silkies look like someone crossed a chicken with a rabbit. Their fluffy crests, muffs, and beards are made of soft, fur-like feathers that don’t have the barbs regular feathers do. That texture means they’re not waterproof, so they’re happiest in dry, sheltered runs.

Silkies are gentle, often content to be held, and they bring an easygoing energy to the coop. If you keep them in a mixed flock, give them a safe space to avoid the mud and the more boisterous birds.

Houdan

Houdans wear a shaggy mop of feathers on their heads, paired with a beard and muffs for extra flair. Their five toes—one more than most chickens—add to their unique look.

While they’re lively and active foragers, their crest can collect dirt if they’re in damp or muddy runs. A little extra grooming keeps them looking sharp and prevents eye irritation.

Appenzeller Spitzhauben

This Swiss breed’s crest sweeps forward like a windswept mohawk, giving them a permanently adventurous look. They’re built for mountain living—active, agile, and always moving.

Their upright crest doesn’t block their vision like some breeds, making them well-suited to free-ranging. Just be ready for them to range far; they’re explorers at heart.

Crevecoeur

Crevecoeurs have a neat, rounded crest that sits close to the head, paired with sleek black feathers that give them a polished look. They’re one of France’s oldest breeds, valued for both appearance and meat quality.

Their crest needs less maintenance than fluffier breeds, but keeping it dry helps maintain its tidy shape. They do well in calmer flocks where they’re not constantly jostled.

Sultan

Sultans carry a tall, puffed-up crest, a full beard, and muffs, plus feathered legs for good measure. The all-white plumage makes their look even more striking, especially in clean bedding or green grass.

They’re ornamental birds through and through—gentle, slower-moving, and best kept in protected spaces where their feathers won’t get damaged. If you’re after a bird that looks like it stepped out of a Victorian garden scene, Sultans fit the bill.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.