Voltage skull in Silkies
Back with an another unpopular opinion! Let’s talk about Silkie Anatomy The Vaulted Skull 🧠🐣
first, I would like to say my post is not directed to anyone, but if the shoe fits where it’s Cinderella’s
Did you know that the massive crest we all love on our Silkies is actually sitting on top of a vaulted skull? This means many Silkies have a natural opening in the top of their skull where the brain is protected only by skin and feathers. I see so many people/ Breeders tying up their Silkies crests with hair ties or tape to help them see. 🛑 PlEASE STOP DOING THIS!! When you tie up that crest, you aren’t just pulling crest back you are potentially putting pressure directly on their unprotected brain. It creates tension on that delicate soft spot. It breaks my heart seeing inexperienced owners unknowingly hurting their birds because they just want them to see better, or think it look cute!
The Solution? ✂️Just give them a trim! Trimming the feathers around the eyes is painless, safe, and instantly improves their quality of life without squeezing their sensitive skulls. Skull. Let’s keep our fluffballs happy, seeing clearly, and headache free!
#JerseySilkies #SilkieChickens #BackyardChickens #PoultryCare #ChickenAnatomy #VaultedSkull #HappyHens #ChickenBreeder
As a long-time Silkie chicken owner, I’ve learned the hard way how important understanding their unique anatomy is for their health and happiness. The vaulted skull of Silkies is quite different from other chickens—there’s actually a natural opening on top protected only by skin and feathers, making their heads much more delicate than you’d expect. I used to tie back my Silkie's crest with hair ties, thinking it was cute and practical so they could see better. But after researching and hearing from experienced breeders, I realized this could cause serious discomfort or even injury by putting pressure directly on that sensitive spot. It’s like putting a band around a soft area that should never be squeezed—definitely something to avoid. The best and safest alternative I found is simply trimming the feathers around their eyes. This is painless for the birds and greatly improves their vision without any risk. Using small, sharp scissors carefully around their crest has made my Silkies more confident and active because they can see their environment clearly. Another tip is to regularly check their crests for any signs of damage or irritation, especially if you notice behavioral changes like head shaking or discomfort. Remember, that fluffy crest is not just decorative—it’s part of their skull structure. Treat it with care and respect. In summary, avoid tying or taping your Silkie's crest. Instead, keep their feathers trimmed neatly around the eyes to ensure safety and comfort. This small effort helps maintain their wellbeing and lets those adorable fluffballs stay happy and headache-free.
Wow, this is very informative. 👍🏾❣️