I have got to admit that when I first read that "Silkies have holes in their skulls"  I was skeptical.  I didn't think that there was any way they could survive if they had holes in their skulls.  What I found out is not only do they have holes in their skulls but some have very little bony structure to their skulls at all.  You can see a few examples of birds that have been posted here at the Animal Diagnostic Lab on the photos page. 

Click here to go to the photos page.  Just a warning though;  These are real photos of chickens heads and are slightly graphic.

Samples Wanted:

If anyone has had the unfortunate circumstance of having one of their silkies (or any bird with a vaulted skull) die, and are curious to know if its skull has similar abnormalities, I would very much appreciate if you would send me the head.  All samples would become the property of the laboratory and could not be returned to you in any way.  Submitting a sample would be giving your automatic approval for me to process and photograph and/or post photos as I see fitting.  I would email you set of photographs if you wish, you would just need to include a note stating this along with your email address. 

Other information that would be very helpful is: age, sex and bloodline of the bird.

To submit a sample: 

Remove head (or submit entire bird if you wish)

Freeze sample overnight or longer

Wrap in several paper towels

Place in zip lock bag

Place that bag into a zip lock bag

Repeat until you have used at least 4 bags.

As long as the weather is mild and not too hot, ice packs should not be necessary.

Place into envelope or small box (if submitting entire bird a box would be more appropriate)

Address to:

Attention Lola

Animal Diagnostic Lab

Orchard Road

University Park, PA  16802

NOTE: Freezing of specimens is ok only if sending birds for the vaulted skull project.  Do Not freeze if sending birds for testing or necropsy.

THANKS

Links:

http://www.browneggblueegg.com/Article/HoleInHead.html