Silkie chick: Looks wet but isn't, large lump on neck

[TeamV8]

We have 2 Silkie chicks that we got at the same time back in June, they were a couple weeks old when we got them. One is growing a lot bigger than the other. It's feathers are fuller, etc. The smaller of the 2 I noticed today looks all wet but it's not. it's dry and kind of crunchy? It could not have gotten into anything. I also noticed a huge lump on the side of her neck. I'm thinking maybe it's her crop? I just worry because we've already had 2 Silkie casualties and we had to put my daughter's cat down recently so I'm a little anxious when it comes to sick pets these days! Here's a few pics for reference. Any thoughts on either issue?

 

[NovaAman]

don't know about the feathers, but that's her crop... Being that small at nearly 2 months... Surprised she has not died to be honest... She just may be "special"

 

[Scooter&Suzie]

don't know about the feathers, but that's her crop... Being that small at nearly 2 months... Surprised she has not died to be honest... She just may be "special"

x2

 

[leadwolf1]

I would give her a bath and blow her dry with a hair dryer...looks like she dust bathed in wet dirt. She will look much better after that.

 

[TeamV8]

She seems fine otherwise. Eats, plays, walks around. Should I use soap or just rinse her off?

 

[Red Barn Farms]

That is one large looking crop. If you are feeding your small chicks anything other than chick starter food they need grit. So, if they are eating grass, bugs, worms, treats, etc. please provide them with grit. The grit may be sprinkled on top of the starter chick food the same as you would add salt to your meal. You can also provide grit in a separate container. Check your chicks each morning and see if their crops have went down. Each morning the crops should almost be flat. During the day as the chicks eat the crops will increase in size. If in the early morning hours you still can feel a large full crop this is a sign of a serious problem. The chick might be crop bound.

As far as the plumage being 'crunchy' feeling? I have no clue. I'd just provide her with a small bath. There are very informative videos about giving a chicken a bath on Youtube and also don't forget to search right here at BYC for answers to your questions anytime!

Welcome to BYC!

 

[leadwolf1]

You can use dish soap to bath her in. I prefer a puppy/kitten shampoo. Just put warm water in the sink or, basin and wash and rinse thoroughly. Wrap her in a towel and then slowly dry her with a hair dryer on low setting. Make sure she doesn't get in a draft or get a chill.

 

[Red Barn Farms]

This is my favorite video for giving a chicken a bath.