Silkie Hatch-A-Long

[KV Silkies]

@1 Critter Camp the question you had above on some having bigger heads, it is the "vaulted skull" in silkies. I had asked this question in a silkie thread a bit ago as had no idea what the vaulted was, apparently is their skull not totally fused together? makes it higher up like that and part of their brain is somewhat exposed so to be extra cautious with these chicks as a peck to the head and they could be goners. this is just me relaying what was posted as a reply to my question. hope it helps some! (makes their puffy heads rounder and puffier as they mature)

 

[KV Silkies]

ok, of course I had to google for more info... lol @1 Critter Camp

What The Heck Is A Vaulted Skull?

A vaulted skull is a hole or unclosed portion of bone in the top portion of the Silkie’s skull. This genetic trait was introduced into Silkies via crosses with the Crested Polish breed of chickens. The Polish were bred into Silkies to improve and create a larger crest size. Often chickens are bred to another breed to get new colors, traits and types.
So What Happens To This Hole In The Silkie’s Head?

Since there is an opening in the Silkie’s skull, it can allow a portion of the brain to protrude through the opening. It’s not as bad as it sounds, cause it’s covered with skin and feathers. However… it causes the chick to be quite delicate. If the Silkie chick gets pecked on the head or bumps it’s head, it can die instantly. Chicks with vaulted heads should be protected and handled as gently as possible, as they are more vulnerable. As the chick grows, this hole will usually grow shut or at least get smaller. Occasionally though it does not.
Sometimes in Silkies with vaulted heads, the vaulted area can either press on the brain or the chick can get the slightest pressure on it’s head and it can cause a brain injury. Once they are about a month old, the bones in the vaulted area usually grow thicker and closer together and the risk of brain injury drops. It’s a good idea to move any Silkie chicks with really vaulted skulls into a separate brooder for added protection.

 

[1 Critter Camp]

Wow, thanks for that awesome information!!!
Today is my 3rd day off from work (school) due to ice/snow storm! I've had three extra good days with my new little chicks (and of course my family too)!

Making these days up will be tough!
Thanks again for your help!!

 

[KV Silkies]

Wow, thanks for that awesome information!!!
Today is my 3rd day off from work (school) due to ice/snow storm! I've had three extra good days with my new little chicks (and of course my family too)!

Making these days up will be tough!
Thanks again for your help!!

3 days off is awesome!

no problem on the info, I had just asked the week prior on the silkie thread and was totally blown away by the info, kinda gross in a way, with brains exposed, poor little things. but totally helps in keeping them more protected.... I try not to let my kids handle those ones, or have at least made them aware of how fragile they are.

 

[Debs55]

Tomorrow is hatch day for broody #1!!! however since it is so cold here I have a feeling this may be more of a 23 day hatch than a 21 day. I put a heat lamp down there just a little while ago cause I've noticed my silkies have a hard time keeping eggs under them once they start hatching. I'm hoping for 3 eggs out of 6

 

[1 Critter Camp]

Good luck! I can't wait until I can have a hen hatch eggs... I've only hatched with an incubator! I have had my white silkie rooster with two sizzle hens for a week now... I found one egg yesterday and took it in because it was cold to the touch... she was not sitting on it so I put it in the incubator. Too cold here but is supposed to be warmer soon!
Good luck with your hatch!! I look forward to hearing about your success! And of course, pictures!

 

[Debs55]

Oh there will definately be pictures! I don't know where you are located but I always sell my silkie chicks if you are ever interested. My silkies are broody all the time!

 

[1 Critter Camp]

Oh there will definately be pictures! I don't know where you are located but I always sell my silkie chicks if you are ever interested. My silkies are broody all the time!

Thanks, I'm in KY but what I really need is a male sizzle! I thought I had one but he turned out to be a she! Thanks to all of the helpful people on BYC, I figured out I was not going to get any fertile eggs with my two sizzle hens!

I plan on going to a swap meet next weekend to see what I find.

 

[Haveandtohold]

My silkie eggs go into lock down tomorrow and I am so excited!!!

Anyone else have some babies about to hatch?

 

[Debs55]

one of my chicks just hatched this morning!! so far I have only seen one but it is pretty chilly out there. Broody has a heat lamp and a tarp partially covering her pen so I'm hoping it doesn't get too cold. Its also raining cats and dogs and very windy. If it gets too bad mom and babies are coming inside tonight