Featherless silkie chick

[sheila22]

I'm new to this forum and am looking for a bit of help. I had a silkie chick hatch today that is completely featherless. So far she seems to be in good health. She is being kept toasty warm by her mom but I'm concerned about what will happen once mom is ready to get up and move around. It is supposed to be in the low 80Fs around here for the next few days but will that be warm enough? Anyone else have this happen? When I googled it the only thing that came up was an old thread from Australia and a blog in China.

 

[luvmypets]

That must be one interesting chick! Maybe it didnt go through feather development properly. I would try to make it a chicken sweater. GL and i hope you luv byc as much as i do

 

[sheila22]

I've thought about that but the chick is SO small.

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

I am not sure about Silkie chicks, but I have seen quail hatch that are featherless as well. They do eventually feather out, but are definitely behind the others. As for your chick, I would think momma knows how to care for this tiny baby, but if you notice she is not keeping him warm enough, you could brood him yourself. I would offer him a bit more heat than you might with feathered chicks.

You might post this question in our emergency section or even the Silkies thread and see if anybody knows what might be going on...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/297632/silkie-thread

Good luck with this little guy and keep us posted!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Keep us informed as to the development of this chick.

 

[sheila22]

I'm hoping to keep it with its mom since I think she will protect this little guy for the first 4-6 weeks which might give it a chance of being accepted by the other chicks. I hate to put it by itself since in my experience they hate being alone. I will definitely try the silkie thread. Thanks!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Hope your chick is OK.

 

[drumstick diva]

Would you have a photo to post? I've never heard of a featherless silkie. Do you think she hatched too early?

 

[sheila22]

I'll try to post a photo today. She hatched at 21 days, and the feathers are supposed to have finished developing on day 16.

 

[sheila22]

I've posted a photo on Raising Baby Chicks forum.