Meet the Mystic Onyx: The Coolest Chicken You’ve Never Heard Of
Ever seen a chicken that looks like a shadow come to life? Say hello to the Mystic Onyx. This bird has a magical vibe and a sweet personality to match. It’s the kind of chicken that makes you stop and stare.
New Kid in the Coop
Let’s start with the basics. The Mystic Onyx is a hybrid chicken created by Hoover’s Hatchery. It showed up in 2021, so it’s pretty new on the scene.
It’s not officially recognized by the American Poultry Association. But that does not make it any less special.
Think of it as part Silkie, part meat bird. That mix gives it some wild and wonderful traits.
I remember spotting one online. I scrolled back just to be sure. That dark, glossy feathering? Unforgettable.
What a Looker
This bird looks like it came out of an ink bottle. Everything about it is dark—feathers, skin, even meat.
But stand it in the sun, and you might see a green shimmer across those black feathers. It’s like oil on water.
Most hens are fully black. Roosters can get some red or orange feathers around the neck. A few even rock a little head tuft, a nod to their Silkie roots.
Now here’s a fun detail. Many Mystic Onyx birds have five toes instead of four. Blame the Silkie side for that one.
Their legs are smooth. No feathers. Full-grown birds weigh around five to six pounds. So, they’ve got some heft.
Easygoing and Friendly
If you’re just starting out with chickens, this one’s a great pick.
Mystic Onyx chickens are calm and easy to handle. They do well in mixed flocks and around other pets.
That makes them perfect for families. Especially ones with kids.
They also enjoy hanging out with people. Some might even hop up for couch cuddles.
They’re curious little things, too. Don’t be surprised if one pokes her head into something she shouldn’t.
Give Them Room to Move
These birds love to roam. They’re not made for small coops or cramped cages.
If you’ve got a yard with a fence, you’re set. Their short wings don’t give them much lift, so they’re not escape artists.
Letting them explore helps keep them happy and healthy.
Eggs Glore
Mystic Onyx hens lay a lot of eggs. Around 220 to 250 light brown eggs a year.
Pullets—young hens—usually start laying between 18 and 20 weeks of age.
They might take a break during cold months. That’s normal. But they handle chilly weather pretty well.
One thing though—these hens rarely go broody. That means they won’t sit on their eggs to hatch them.
If you want chicks, you’ll need an incubator or a more motherly hen to help out.
Care Tips for a Happy Onyx
These birds can take the heat and the cold. But their dark feathers soak up the sun. So give them plenty of shade in summer.
Make sure their coop is clean, dry, and airy. That goes a long way toward keeping them healthy.
Feed them a high-quality layer feed. Laying takes a lot of energy. They need fuel.
Add leafy greens like kale or lettuce to the mix. Throw in juicy fruits like bananas or watermelon in the summer.
During molting season, boost their protein to about 20 percent. It helps them grow back those feathers fast.
With good care, these chickens can live up to eight years.
Why People Love Them
The Mystic Onyx is more than a pretty bird. It’s sweet, social, and easy to care for.
You get an exotic look without the high price tag. They fit right in with families and small backyard flocks.
If you want something a little different—but still practical—this chicken checks all the boxes.
Ready to add a living shadow to your flock? The Mystic Onyx could be your next favorite bird.
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