13 Weird but Wonderful Chicken Breeds You’ve Probably Never Seen

Think all chickens look the same? Think again.

Some chicken breeds are so bizarre, they look like they belong on a sci-fi set rather than in your backyard. From wild feather styles to extra toes, these birds are living proof that chickens can be as weird as they are wonderful.

Whether you’re after a showstopper for your flock or just curious about what’s out there, here are 13 of the strangest—and most delightful—chickens you’ll ever see.

1. Polish Chicken

With its massive poof of head feathers, the Polish chicken looks like it’s wearing a fancy wig. This old European breed is best known for its crest, which sometimes covers its eyes completely.

Why it’s weird: Its vision is often blocked by feathers, giving it a perpetually surprised look.

Quick Facts:

• Origin: Netherlands/Poland
• Egg Color: White
• Temperament: Friendly but flighty
• Fun Fact: Despite the name, it’s not from Poland!

2. Frizzle Chicken

If a chicken stuck its beak in an electric socket, this would be the result. Frizzles have feathers that curl outward instead of laying flat.

Why it’s weird: Their feathers are all puffed and frizzy—completely unlike most chickens.

Quick Facts:

• Origin: Asia/Europe
• Egg Color: Cream/light brown
• Temperament: Docile, sweet
• Note: “Frizzle” is a feather type, not a breed—it’s seen in breeds like Cochins and Polish.

3. Silkie

Silkies feel more like bunnies than birds. Their fluffy, fur-like feathers and black skin make them one of the most recognizable and beloved weird chickens.

Why it’s weird: Black bones, blue earlobes, and five toes (most chickens have four).

Quick Facts:

• Origin: China
• Egg Color: Cream
• Temperament: Exceptionally gentle and cuddly
• Bonus: Often kept as therapy chickens!

4. Sultan

Originally bred for the sultan’s palace gardens in Turkey, this breed is pure eye candy. They have nearly every ornamental trait a chicken can have: crest, beard, muffs, vulture hocks, and feathered legs.

Why it’s weird: They’re basically the fashion icons of the chicken world.

Quick Facts:

• Origin: Turkey
• Egg Color: White
• Temperament: Calm, friendly
• Use: Ornamental/show

5. Appenzeller Spitzhauben

Known for its upright, mohawk-like crest, this Swiss breed is both stylish and spunky. Its name means “lacy bonnet” in German.

Why it’s weird: It wears a punk-rock-style feather crest.

Quick Facts:

• Origin: Switzerland
• Egg Color: White
• Temperament: Active, good foragers
• Fun Fact: National bird of Switzerland

6. Crevecoeur

This striking, all-black bird has a full feather puff on its head and a mysterious, regal vibe.

Why it’s weird: Black sheen, fluffy crest, and devilishly sleek posture.

Quick Facts:

• Origin: France
• Egg Color: White
• Temperament: Quiet, calm
• Note: One of the oldest French breeds

7. Ayam Cemani

Nicknamed the “Goth Chicken,” this Indonesian breed is entirely black—inside and out. Even its muscles, organs, and bones are black.

Why it’s weird: Full-body black pigmentation due to fibromelanosis.

Quick Facts:

• Origin: Indonesia
• Egg Color: Cream/light
• Temperament: Confident but gentle
• Price: Rare and often expensive

8. Naked Neck (Turken)

With a featherless neck and a name that confuses everyone, this breed is half chicken, half turkey—well, not really, but it sure looks that way.

Why it’s weird: Bald neck and exposed skin make it stand out in any flock.

Quick Facts:

• Origin: Transylvania (yes, really!)
• Egg Color: Brown
• Temperament: Hardy, heat-tolerant
• Bonus: Easier to pluck for meat purposes

9. La Flèche

With its V-shaped comb that looks like devil horns, the La Flèche is both elegant and eerie.

Why it’s weird: Dark coloring and horn-shaped comb make it a gothic showpiece.

Quick Facts:

• Origin: France
• Egg Color: White
• Temperament: Alert, active
• Use: Dual-purpose

10. Onagadori

This Japanese breed is famous for its tail, which can grow over 10 feet long with proper care. It requires meticulous grooming.

Why it’s weird: It’s like a chicken crossed with a peacock.

Quick Facts:

• Origin: Japan
• Egg Color: White
• Temperament: Docile, ornamental only
• Rarity: Extremely rare outside Japan

11. Brabanter

With its pointy beard and spiky head crest, this breed looks straight out of medieval Europe. That’s fitting, since it is from there.

Why it’s weird: Unique V-shaped crest and long beard combo.

Quick Facts:

• Origin: Netherlands
• Egg Color: White
• Temperament: Hardy and curious
• Bonus: Cold-tolerant due to small comb

12. Modern Game

Tall, slender, and upright, this breed looks more like a showbird than a farm chicken. It was bred purely for exhibition.

Why it’s weird: Super long legs and tiny body—almost like a dinosaur.

Quick Facts:

• Origin: UK
• Egg Color: Tinted
• Temperament: Friendly but energetic
• Use: Exhibition only

13. Rumpless Araucana

These birds are born without tailbones and often have ear tufts that stick out like feathers from the sides of their heads. They also lay blue eggs!

Why it’s weird: No tail + weird ear tufts = unforgettable.

Quick Facts:

• Origin: South America
• Egg Color: Blue
• Temperament: Independent
• Bonus: Parent to the popular Easter Egger

Why Keep a Weird Chicken?

Weird breeds add personality, color, and conversation to any backyard flock. Many of them are surprisingly friendly and make excellent pets. Some even lay gorgeous colored eggs.

Whether you’re into fluffballs like Silkies or sleek, all-black beauties like the Ayam Cemani, there’s something special about choosing a bird that stands out.