5 day old silkies with new bald spots

[Mariosmom]

Hello!

I have three 5 day old silkies that have started loosing their baby feathers on their chest and one of them has lost feathers on its bum as well. Is this normal? I was told chicks don’t molt but I don’t know what to think. Feathers on wings are growing great.

The chick that has the bare bum is also making me concerned about its vent. The chick has had some diarrhea/pasty butt and while cleaning the chick I noticed that the vent is protruding outward slightly. It’s not red but just seems kinda swollen…. Could this be a sign on a prolapse coming? I’m extra worried about this chick because it has a fleshy button and umbilical cords still attached. Hard to keep those dry when the chick keeps having poop on it’s bum!

I know pasty butt comes from maybe being to hot or cold but the other chicks aren’t getting pasty butt and I have multiple thermometers in the brooder. Could pasty butt be a sign of something else?

Thank you for your help!

 

[Tonyroo]

Can you post a picture of the bald spots.

 

[Mariosmom]

Can you post a picture of the bald spots.

Here’s all three. I added the bum pick as well. The one with the redder chest has the bare bum as well. The vent is clean but it always looks like a messy bum cuz of the bellybutton.

 

[Tonyroo]

@Silkie Princess, @Wyorp Rock, can you comment?

 

[CSolis]

@Hinotori please assist

 

[CSolis]

@LadiesAndJane can you assist please?

 

[Hinotori]

Ive had them loose bum fluff from me having to clean them too much. Chick not going under broody when it should.

The chest fluff loss is weird. Ive never come across that.

What are you feeding them? Maybe that's a factor. I know older birds will pluck each other to eat it kf protein is too low. Picture looks like it's regular crumbles though.

 

[Mariosmom]

Ive had them loose bum fluff from me having to clean them too much. Chick not going under broody when it should.

The chest fluff loss is weird. Ive never come across that.

What are you feeding them? Maybe that's a factor. I know older birds will pluck each other to eat it kf protein is too low. Picture looks like it's regular crumbles though.

It’s Dumor organic… not medicated. They started loosing their chest fluff in the order of hatch so that seemed liked it could mean something. I just hope it’s not some crazy skin infection! Do you have a recommendation for food?

I didn’t start cleaning the chicks bum until yesterday but I assumed that might be it. Just struggling with it cuz I want the fleshy bellybutton to dry up and I know the diarrhea isn’t helping! I only cleaned once today and it was a mess!

I’m gonna start adding save a chick to their water tomorrow… they eat and drink very well so I dont know what to think.

 

[Hinotori]

Dumor shouldn't be an issue, but you can always get a small bag of another type if you want and see if it helps. It really shouldn't be an issue with it though.

Im wondering if there is something genetic maybe. That is an odd issue.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I've never seen fluff lost in that pattern on the breast. No crustiness to the skin on their breast right?
That said, it's interesting, but I think it's going to be one of those wait and see type of things about how they feather in.

For the raw bum and protruding vent. Clean her up with warm water. Apply a little coconut oil, vaseline, anti-inflammatory cream, etc. to the vent and surrounding tissue to help with swelling and also keep the poop from sticking to the skin.

How are you brooding? With a lamp, brooder plate, etc.?
One warm spot, the rest needs to be cool. Keep food/water on the cool side.

Cute little things.