Red Skin/ LOsing Feathers on Belly & Chest

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CovertChicken

CovertChicken

In the Brooder
9 Years
Dec 12, 2010
20
0
22
I have a 1 year old hen that is doing fine, but her belly and chest area seem to be irratated by something and it is causing her to loose her feathers in those areas. I checked for mites, but I see none. Any information on what may be the problem would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Brian
 
Believe me when I say when you look for mites you might not see them, I had to get them on me and saw how tiny they are. they look like tiny pepper so i'd dust her and any other you have.
 
I deal with mites on a regular basis in my landscaping business, so I am familiar with what they look like. I even ran a piece of Kleenex over her bell and did not see any. Do you still think that it could be mites? It doesn't seem to be affecting her health wise, but I am sure it doesn't feel good for her. Thoughts?

Brian
 
That might be possible, she is missing some feathewrs along her cockscomb. However she has slight redness in between her toes as well.
 
Also, there are chicken mites or lice that are only on the bird at night.

Broodiness -- is she sitting in a nest all day?
 
Brian, I`m gonna try and explain what is happening there. The redness on the feet or legs is common in cold or wet weather. No problems there. To check for lice/mites, pick a couple birds off the roost at night and check under their tails and around their vents with a good flashlight. If you see any tiny bugs scurrying for cover, they need louse treatment. I doubt that`s the case. Anyway, what you discribe sounds like a late moult. Some birds moult real fast and seem to get nekkid overnight. Others moult real slow and you can hardly tell it. In any event, the red skin is caused by exposure to the sun or even to just the air and it is not an irritation. When the feathers grow back, the skin will turn white again. I`m sure you would notice if she was broody, which would be another reason for the belly feathers missing. Chances are it`s just a late moult and she will recover on her own. If you live in a cold climate, a little special care may be in order until she is covered again.........Pop
 
This particular bird is not being broody. I have had some experience with that with one of my other birds. Actually her and one other have been affected by this condition, although she seems to have it much worse than the other bird. I do live in a cold climate, but have noticed this skin condition on these two even when it was warmer. I attempted putting some Neosporin on her, it seemed to help, but it came back again.
 

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