Common Health Problems in Silkie Chickens

Silkies are beautiful, fluffy birds with common diseases and health issues. If you have any in your backyard flock or plan on purchasing some, being educated on the common health issues can mean life or death for your silky chicken. 

In 8 years of owning Silkies, we have never experienced any health issues or disease outbreaks.

Still, I like to educate myself on causes and treatments in case anything should arise in our current flock.

Understanding common chicken ailments, respiratory diseases, & common illnesses can help everyone become better poultry keepers.

 I have learned throughout the years that if there is an outbreak of sickness or disease within any animal herd or flock, you need to be able to identify the symptoms and administer medicine and prevention tactics quickly.

Identifying the causes can save you the heartache of losing your young birds. 

No one wants to deal with poultry diseases or an outbreak within their chicken flock, but it does happen, and it is crucial to learn to identify and treat it if possible.

Below are some common Silkie health issues and diseases.

​About the Silkie Breed.

Silkies are one of the most popular chicken breeds in the world, they are unique due to their fur-like feathers, crest, black skin, and extra toe.

Learn more about the Silkie chicken in the breed guide I put together.

What are the common diseases in Silkies?

Silkie Chickens are one of the most recognizable chicken breeds in the world.

However, even the most popular chickens can have health risks due to their breeding and specific characteristics. 

The common diseases & genetic traits that Silkies may develop.

• Water on the brain. (genetic)
• Mareks Disease
• Scaly Leg Mite

Other Silkie problems

• Wry neck
• Lice
• Respiratory distress

Recognizing Water on the Brain.

Silkies are known for their distinct silkie crests, created by a unique feature: their vaulted skull. 

This skull structure is slightly different from other chickens, giving Silkies that adorable poof on top and making them more prone to certain health conditions, like “water on the brain” or hydrocephalus. 

While Silkies are one of the more recognized breeds for this trait, they’re not alone—many crested breeds face similar issues due to their skull shape. 

If you’re curious to explore more breeds with crested feathering, I’ve put together a list of over 20 breeds that also have crests on their heads. These are such cool-looking chickens! 

Symptoms of Hydrocephalus (“Water on the Brain”) in Silkies

• Bulging or soft areas on the skull, especially around the crest.
• Head tilting or difficulty maintaining head position.
• Poor coordination, stumbling, or unsteady movements.
• Seizures or twitching.
• Lethargy and general weakness.
• Sensitivity to handling or touching near the head.

Causes of Hydrocephalus in Silkies 

Water on the brain is a genetic disorder, not a disease. So, it cannot be treated but can be prevented with selective breeding. 

• Genetics: The vaulted skull structure in Silkies can make them prone to hydrocephalus.
• Head Injuries: Even minor head trauma can cause it.
• Developmental Issues: Issues in early development may lead to fluid around the brain.
• Infections: Some infections in young chicks may lead to fluid in the skull.

Prevention and Treatment

Preventive Care:

• Handle Silkies gently to avoid head trauma.
• Maintain a safe environment to prevent injury, low roosts, and nesting boxes.
• Be selective when breeding, avoiding birds with known issues.

Treatment:

•  No definitive cure, but some success has been found with vitamin supplements (like Vitamin B and E) to support brain health.
• A vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pressure and swelling.
• Separate affected birds to reduce stress and further injuries.
• Do not incubate eggs from affected birds.

We have had about 10 Silkies throughout the years on our farm and never had an issue with Water on the brain, but we also purchase from reputable hatcheries. 

Identifying and treating Marek’s Disease.

Marek’s Disease is not a common disease. If you suspect it in your flock, remove the infected bird immediately.

This Disease is highly contagious to other chickens. 

Below are some symptoms to help you identify a Marek’s outbreak.

​Symptoms of Marek’s Disease in chickens

• Paralysis of the legs, wings, or neck. Often, it’s one leg and one wing.
• Neck curved (torticollis or seahorse neck)
• Weight loss and poor overall body condition.
• Vision loss or blindness, with a grayish eye color.
• Lethargy, unsteady movements, or trouble standing.
• Tumors are often seen on the skin or discovered in internal organs after death.

 Causes of Marek’s Disease

• Viral Infection: Caused by the Marek’s disease virus (MDV), a herpes virus. There are many forms of Marek. 
• Airborne Spread: The virus is shed through feather dander and can spread in dust, making it highly contagious.
• Environmental Factors: Contaminated environments can harbor the virus long-term, infecting new flocks or birds that enter the area. Read here for tips on sanitizing and cleaning a chicken coop after a disease outbreak.

Prevention and treatment of Marek’s Disease

Preventive Care:

• Vaccination: Administer Marek’s vaccine to chicks right after hatching.
• Biosecurity: Maintain a strict coop cleaning schedule, reduce exposure to dust, and avoid introducing unvaccinated birds to the flock.
• Quarantine: Isolate new birds for several weeks to ensure they’re disease-free before joining the flock.
• Reduce Stress: Keep the flock’s environment low-stress, as stress can weaken the immune system and make birds more susceptible to illness and Disease.

Treatment:

•  No Cure: Marek’s Disease has no treatment or cure; affected birds often do not recover and may need to be dispatched to prevent suffering and spread of the Disease. 
• Supportive Care: In mild cases, you can offer supportive care (like proper nutrition and reduced stress) to comfort affected birds. But many chicken owners who have had affected chickens say no matter what they try, the chicken will usually die.

A few things important things to know about Mareks Disease

1. It cannot spread to humans, and that’s the first thing I wanted to know.
2. Once an animal is infected, it will be a carrier for life.
3. Light egg-layers (Like Leghorns) and Silkies are more prone to it than meat birds.
4. Not all affected birds will get sick.
5. One of the most preventable diseases (vaccination)
6. It is not transferred through eggs; eggs are safe to eat, and chicks hatch free of the disease. 

Marek’s Disease is a serious concern for backyard chicken owners, but preventive measures like vaccination and good biosecurity (coop cleaning, preventive measures) can significantly reduce the risk to your flock.

Even though we have never experienced an outbreak of Marek’s on our homestead, we know it can happen and have a system in place so we can act quickly and take preventive measures to stop the spread. 

  What are Scaly Leg Mites?

Scaly leg mites, known as Knemidocoptes mutants, are parasitic infestations rather than diseases or genetic conditions. 

These microscopic mites burrow under the scales on chickens’ legs and feet, causing inflammation, itching, and a characteristic scaly or crusty appearance. 

This infestation is common in chickens in dirty conditions but can spread to any flock if not addressed immediately. 

Signs of Scaly Leg Mites

• Raised, crusty, or thickened scales on legs and feet.
• Legs may appear swollen or irritated.
• Chickens may be seen pecking or scratching at their legs due to discomfort.
• Severe cases can lead to lameness or deformity if untreated.

Causes

• Parasitic Infestation: This is caused by (Knemidocoptes mutants) mites that burrow into the skin and lay eggs under the leg scales. It can spread from new chickens to your current flock. 
• Spread through Contact: Mites are easily spread between birds through direct contact or shared coop surfaces like perches & nesting boxes.
• Bad Coop Hygiene: Dirty or overcrowded coops create an ideal environment for mites to thrive and spread.

Prevention and treatment of Scaly Leg Mite

Prevention:

•  1. Maintain clean, dry coop conditions and disinfect roosts and perches regularly.
• 2. Provide dust baths with diatomaceous earth, which helps deter mites.
• 3. Isolate and inspect new birds before adding them to the flock.

Treatment:

• Topical Treatments: Apply a thick coating of petroleum jelly, mineral oil, or a mite-specific ointment to affected legs. This smothers the mites and promotes healing.
• Insecticide Dips or Sprays: Use as a vet recommends, particularly for severe cases; a plastic tote works great for dipping or soaking legs.
• Clean Coop Thoroughly: Deep-clean the Coop and roosts to prevent re-infestation and spread. 

Identifying lice on your Silkies

Chicken lice are external parasites that live on feathers and skin.

They feed on dead skin cells, feathers, and sometimes blood, causing discomfort and stress in silkie chickens.

Silkies are prone to lice due to their soft and fluffy feathers that cover them from head to toe.

It’s hard to see their skin and notice if Lice have taken up residence, so inspect them regularly.

We did discover a few silkies with lice eggs, and we acted quickly to prevent their spread and kill all traces of those nasty things. 

Silkies sometimes need help getting dust onto the base of their feathers, so I sprinkle it on them and work it in. 

Symptoms of chicken lice

• Birds may appear restless and be seen frequently preening or scratching.
• Feathers, especially near the vent, wings, and head, may look rough, broken, or matted.
• Visible tiny yellowish or white lice and eggs at the base of feathers, often around the vent area.
• Weight loss, decreased egg production, and general lethargy in severe infestations.

Causes

• Parasitic Infestation: Caused by several species of lice that feed on chickens’ feathers, skin, or blood.
• Spread through Contact: Lice are spread between birds by close contact or shared bedding and coop surfaces.
• Poor Coop Cleaning: Lice thrive in unclean coops with excessive moisture and dirty bedding.

Prevention and treatment 

Prevention

•  Maintain a clean coop with regular bedding changes and dry conditions.
• Provide a dust bath with diatomaceous earth or wood ash. Chickens naturally use dust baths to help control parasites.
• Quarantine and inspect new birds before introducing them to the flock to prevent introducing lice.

Treatment

•  Insecticidal Powder or Spray: Following veterinary guidance, use a lice-specific powder or spray on affected birds.
• Coop Cleaning: Deep-clean the chicken Coop and replace the bedding. Pay special attention to roosts and nesting boxes. Sometimes, I sprinkle wood ash on the new bedding.
• Repeat Treatments: Reapply treatments every 7-10 days to break the lice’s lifecycle, as eggs can survive and hatch after the first treatment.

What is a Wry neck, and how do you treat it?

A wry neck, or torticollis, affects a chicken’s ability to hold its head upright. It should not be confused with Water on the brain. 

 It is not a disease or parasite but rather a neurological disorder that a combination of genetic predisposition, vitamin deficiencies, or injury can cause.

Due to their vaulted skulls, it is widespread in Silkies and other crested breeds.

Identification of Wry Neck in Silkies

• Neck twisting or inability to hold the head upright; the head may tilt to the side or droop backward.
• Difficulty eating or drinking due to head positioning.
• Poor coordination or stumbling.
• Lethargy and general weakness are present in more severe cases.

Causes of Wry Neck

• Vitamin Deficiency: A lack of Vitamin E and selenium, essential for nerve and muscle health, is a common cause.
• Genetics: Silkies are genetically prone to wry necks due to their vaulted skull structure.
• Injury: Head trauma can trigger or worsen wry neck, especially in Silkies, whose skulls are more vulnerable.

Prevention and Treatment of Wry Neck

Prevention:

• Feed a balanced diet with adequate vitamins and minerals, particularly Vitamin E and selenium.
• Handle Silkies gently to avoid any head trauma that could lead to or worsen a wry neck.

​Treatment:

•   Vitamin Supplements: To address deficiencies, use vitamin E and selenium supplements, which can be given in food or with veterinary guidance.
• Supportive Care: Provide easy access to food and water to ensure the chicken stays hydrated and nourished.
• Quarantine and Monitoring: Isolate affected birds to reduce stress and monitor their progress, providing extra care and ensuring the illness isn’t caused by a disease. 

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I know some people who have successfully treated Wry Neck with vitamin supplements and their birds have made a complete recovery.

This is why feeding a good layer feed is crucial.

​Respiratory distress in Silkies

Respiratory distress in Silkies is usually a sign of respiratory infections rather than a standalone disease.

Various factors, including bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, can cause it. 

Silkies can be particularly prone to respiratory issues because their crests can trap moisture and dirt near the face.

Signs of Respiratory Distress in Silkies

• Difficulty breathing, gasping, or wheezing sounds.
• Runny nose, often transparent or yellowish.
• Swollen or puffy eyes 
• Sneezing or coughing.
• Lethargy and decreased appetite.
• Drop in egg production if they are Silkie hens.

Causes of Respiratory Distress

• Infections: Viral (e.g., infectious bronchitis), bacterial (e.g., Mycoplasma gallisepticum), or fungal (e.g., aspergillosis) pathogens are common causes.
• Environmental Factors: Poor airflow, high ammonia levels, and damp, dusty conditions can irritate the respiratory tract.
• Temperature Stress: Sudden temperature drops or drafts can compromise Silkies’ respiratory health. Learn how to winterize your coop here.
• Exposure to Other Birds: New or sick birds can introduce pathogens to the flock.

 Prevention and Treatment of Respiratory Distress

Prevention:

• Ensure good ventilation in the coop to reduce ammonia and keep air fresh.
• Keep bedding clean and dry to minimize dust and mold growth.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes and provide shelter in colder months.
• Quarantine new birds before introducing them to the flock to prevent disease spread.

Treatment:

• Antibiotics or Antifungals: Depending on the cause, a vet may prescribe medications to address bacterial or fungal infections.
• Isolate-Affected Birds: This reduces stress and prevents its spread to other birds.
• Supportive Care: Offer warm, clean water and easily accessible food to maintain strength.
• Natural Remedies: Some keepers use herbal supplements or respiratory tonics in mild cases.

Commonly asked questions.

So, how can you prevent Marek’s Disease in your flock? 

 Vaccinating day-old chicks is the most reliable way to protect them against Marek’s Disease. 

The vaccine needs 4-7 days to take effect, so it’s crucial to keep vaccinated chicks isolated from other birds during this time.

 Ideally, they should have a separate caretaker, but if that’s impossible, handle the chicks first before tending to other birds.

If you need to go back and forth, a quick shower and changing clothes can help reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

If you suspect Marek’s disease, what should you do?

Quarantine infected birds or dispatch immediately. 

Clean and sanitize the coop & run. Do not allow birds back into the run and coop until you have ensured it is fully cleaned. 

What can I do to prevent Mareks, if I choose not to vaccinate my chicks?

Regularly clean your chicken coop and run. Have a system in place when introducing new chickens and if you visit another poultry farm, change your clothing and sanitize your shoes before entering your chickens run or coop. 

Can I put vaccinated chicks in with unvaccinated chickens?

If your flock had carriers, the vaccinated chicks would not catch Mareks. It’s fine to put unvaccinated healthy chickens in with vaccinated chickens. 

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