Dumpling is one of our six new chickens (our first) and today we noticed a spot on her head about the size of a nickel that was pink and balding. It is under the "ear". She and the other chickens are all acting fine. We haven't seen any of them picking (pecking) in a rough or attacking manner. They peck each other on occasion but none of them seem bothered by it. They are all eating and drinking well and acting fine, including dumpling.I don't see signs of actual injury or blood. They have chick starter and water. We added a stick for them to perch on and an oatmeal tube to play in to help prevent boredom picking. They have a stuffed frog to snuggle up to.
We removed dumpling to a separate brooder because I was concerned that one of them might be pecking at her, or that they might start because the area is so pink. I haven't applied any medicine because I'm not sure there is an actual injury.
Do chickens sometimes do this to themselves? I've noticed she likes to sleep more on her side but I've seen her on both sides and only one side is balding. Is there something I should put on her? I have some of the medicine that can cover up red but I don't want to use it unless it is really needed.
She was peeping so loudly after I moved her that I went ahead and put our smallest chicken in with her and that seemed to help. I don't think she liked being alone. I kept a close eye and saw no evidence of pecking at all and they snuggled down together.
Is there something else or something different I should be doing?
We removed dumpling to a separate brooder because I was concerned that one of them might be pecking at her, or that they might start because the area is so pink. I haven't applied any medicine because I'm not sure there is an actual injury.
Do chickens sometimes do this to themselves? I've noticed she likes to sleep more on her side but I've seen her on both sides and only one side is balding. Is there something I should put on her? I have some of the medicine that can cover up red but I don't want to use it unless it is really needed.
She was peeping so loudly after I moved her that I went ahead and put our smallest chicken in with her and that seemed to help. I don't think she liked being alone. I kept a close eye and saw no evidence of pecking at all and they snuggled down together.
Is there something else or something different I should be doing?
