Bald spot on silkie

[WestoftheRest]

I was asked to give a mixed flock a new home. They all seem healthy other than this silkie. Any ideas what might be causing the bald spot? She is active and doesnt appear sick. TIA

 

[sunshine ducky]

Hi! There could be two possibilities on why there is balding on your silkie. First it might be mites, they cause patterned baldness on a chicken. You can get rid of them by cleaning and sanitizing the coop and run. And also put diatomaceous earth powder in the bald spot of the chicken, this kills off the mites. Second, can’t tell if this is a rooster or hen but if it’s a girl she might be broody? Silkies are very broody chickens and will create a nest by ripping off their own feathers. Other broody symptoms are not moving from the nest box, being a little peckish and not eating/drinking in long periods of time. Her feathers will grow back naturally after her bloodiness is over. I would personally inspect where she resides and check if there’s mites. There are a ton of articles and forums that will help you in nite removal and prevention. Hoped this helps!

 

[WestoftheRest]

Mites was my first thought, I looked in their little prefab coop but didn’t see any. She was sitting on three eggs when I first got there but I was able to shoo her off the nest fairly easy. I will go back this afternoon when I have more time and inspect for mites.