No chest feathers. Help!

[Barnymommy]

Please help, I don’t know what’s going on with my silkie chick. Her chest seems swollen and is missing feathers. Praying it’s nothing serious!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

How are they being kept? Looks like it's rubbing them, or bedding is wet?

 

[Barnymommy]

How are they being kept? Looks like it's rubbing them, or bedding is wet?

They’re in with two ducklings who I think are just making a mess with the water. I just put them in a bigger coop and the water at one end so they have plenty of space to get away from wet bedding as long as the ducklings don’t go crazy.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

They’re in with two ducklings who I think are just making a mess with the water. I just put them in a bigger coop and the water at one end so they have plenty of space to get away from wet bedding as long as the ducklings don’t go crazy.

That's probably what you are seeing. The feathers are damp where the chick is sitting.

 

[Barnymommy]

That's probably what you are seeing. The feathers are damp where the chick is sitting.

Ok thank you I was so worried about her! Wasn’t sure if she was getting picked on but the skin doesn’t look damaged at all. Maybe just a bald spot from laying down you think? Should I use something other than wood chips?

 

[rosemarythyme]

I think you should separate out the ducklings instead, no substrate is going to stay completely dry if water is being splashed around.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Ok thank you I was so worried about her! Wasn’t sure if she was getting picked on but the skin doesn’t look damaged at all. Maybe just a bald spot from laying down you think? Should I use something other than wood chips?

I think you should separate out the ducklings instead, no substrate is going to stay completely dry if water is being splashed around.

I agree with @rosemarythyme . Best to separate out the ducks. You also don't want the ducks being too familiar with the chicks as the males may try mating with them when mature. It's always nest to brood the species separately.

 

[Barnymommy]

I agree with @rosemarythyme . Best to separate out the ducks. You also don't want the ducks being too familiar with the chicks as the males may try mating with them when mature. It's always nest to brood the species separately.

Thank y’all! I separated them today and the chicks seem much happier!

 

[MROO]

View attachment 4115730
Please help, I don’t know what’s going on with my silkie chick. Her chest seems swollen and is missing feathers. Praying it’s nothing serious!

It looks like you little silkie has a full crop and a wet chest. Separating him/her from the duckling mess should take care of the wet fuzz. A good night's rest should see the swelling go down, but don't be alarmed if it's back again after a good meal!