1 month old chick missing feathers & slight swelling on back of neck

[jensing528]

I have a pullet who is about 1 month old and I just noticed this morning the back of her neck just below her skull is bare and has a some swelling. It is not hot to the touch and fairly soft. Other than that she seems healthy running around & eating. Ther is a dark spot that looks like blood. I don't know if this is from the others pecking her. I have not seen any of them doing this. Could it be a spider bite?

 

[peaceful]

Do you have roosters with her? Could it be from one trying to mate with her and pulling out the feathers on the back of her neck?
Then once there is a spot or injury others will often peck at it.
Don't know much about spider bites on chickens but would that explain why the area is bare?

 

[aberfitch]

if it looks like blood or a spot remove it and isolate it until that spot heals. The others will pick it to death if left alone. Just a precaution. I have seen it happen too many times.