rooster with a very red bottom

CMV said:

The red butt and sneezing are unrelated.

Chicken skin that is bare and exposed to the elements turns bright red. It is not raw, just red. It is not an issue unless the other birds start molesting him due to the red skin being exposed. If he starts getting picked on by other birds and his feathers get plucked, then you can coat his butt in Blukote to stop it. Chickens are attracted to the color red and sometimes will pick at red butts. A quick shot of Blukote will disguise it, and they will lose interest. Reapply as needed. Blukote stains anything it comes in contact with, so he will be purple until he molts. That applies to skin and clothing as well so wear work clothes when using it. It can be removed from your skin with nail polish remover.

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CMV said:

I would do a thorough bug check during the day and at night with a very strong light. If you see no signs of bugs then they are likely fine.

Don't let Rutabaga out in any wet, cold weather for about a week. Dawn dish soap is amazing stuff. It strips the grease off everything it comes in contact with...including the bird you just bathed in it. Birds need oil on their feathers to maintain waterproofing in wet weather, and insulation in cold weather.

ACV is great! Just don't serve it in a galvanized metal water. Probiotics and a slight acid boost to the GI system is a good thing. Helps with digestion and keeps things moving.

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SavorChick said:

Thanks for the advice.
1. Will do
2. Understood.
3. I know, right?! Read that plain yogurt was good too.

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CMV said:

Plain yogurt, buttermilk, and organic ACV. Staples to building up a good bug load. Healthy bugs are entirely underestimated in good health.

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