Hi im Jennifer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jennifer1105 

Hi I just recently joined because I had chickens when I was younger but nothing ever really happened to them. My situation right now is: we have had our chickens for over a year. We was given a rooster to put in with our 13 hens and everything was great the whole time. Eggs were awesome and all... A couple months back my husband decided it was time to get rid of the rooster for i have no clue? Now im lost of whats wrong with my chickens. I dont know if they have some kind of disease or whats going on. Almost all 13 hens have like these big black sore looking spots near their rear and they have like holes kind of in them and they bleed and of course they all pick at the spots. Now i have only 11 hens because all the others kept killing off one at a time making like a gang up on that particular chicken at the time. I dont know much about when things go wrong with chickens. Im just worried if something is serious because i have 3 small children that are healthy but i dont want it to be something serious to have to worry about my kids getting something from them. I mean i dont let my kids near them or feed them and i wash my hands constantly to prevent anything. And with all this happening with my chickens they arent laying any eggs either. They also before my husband killed the rooster molted and still havent gotten any of their feathers back. Please help with any info, id greatly appreciate it. Thank you! Just trying to see if i should just get rid of the chickens.?

First, Welcome to the community!

I don't know what could be going on with your hens but I wonder if they have enough space. I know chickens will sometimes pick at each other if there is over crowding... I hope that someone can help you figure it out.

Hi Jennifer and welcome.  If you haven't already done so, post over on the Emergencies/Injuries/Diseases & Cures thread.  Sounds like a VERY serious problem - I've never heard the likes of what you're describing...but I bet someone on that thread has.  I wish you and your birds well!

This sounds very serious. I'm new to chicken keeping but it sounds like it could be a parasite or even maggot infestation. I'm just guessing though. I would separate any chickens that are not infected and post this question under a different thread ( ie /disease, emergencies, and injuries.) I'm sure someone will have an answer for you. Best of luck to you and your chickens.

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

I think it is more likely that you have some dominance issues since the rooster left.  Once the hens develop a red area or a sore, the others will pick at it unmercifully.  You must separate these hens and treat the affected areas.  I like to use Blu Kote, as it covers the affected area and removes the red color, and is distasteful when picked.  These hens should be in a cage or small pen (individually) until the sores heal, then have Blu Kote applied until the feathers grow back.  Good luck.

Improve your hen's diet, give them more space, more natural lighting with access to shade.  If they can't free range, add dark greens to their diet.  

Hello and welcome to BYC  You got some good advice, I see. Good luck with your hens!