4 week on BR dry back missing feathers

[Ch1ckm0m]

Pic of brooder l included in case my set up might be part of the problem. I am new to raising chicks. I have 2 barred rock chicks (4 weeks old) that both have dry, scaly, backs. At first I thought it’s because they are getting in their feathers but none of the other chicks have spots like this.The condition has made worse by one chick who keeps pecking at their backs. I am quarantining the BR until this heals. I have applied neosporne to their backs and aquaphor. They are getting chick crumbles and I also gave them some scrambled eggs. I don’t see lice or mites on them. They seem to be acting fine aside from trying to hide their backs from the other birds. Please advise.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi there, welcome to BYC!

Consider switching to a red lamp or an infrared lamp that allows for night time sleeping. Either of those will reduce stress and be a HUGE improvement over white if that's what I'm currently seeing. The chicks will be mad the first time the experience dark but will quickly adjust. I use a standard LED bulb to add extra "daylight" if using either of these bulb types since it is really dark here sometimes.

For daytime put some bright colorful polka-dots on the wall for enrichment so they can go to work building things.

Consider putting your ladder sideways like a regular roost with room to get under or over it but everyone can roost at the same height.

Maybe add some colorful marbles (I use them from board games I have) or other shiny stuff to peck at that is too big to swallow.

Consider getting a product called Blu kote to apply to the area. Or I might try to make the current ointment dark blue/brown using food dye. I have never tried it so just brainstorming ideas in case making it to the store isn't an option... Use your own judgement ALWAYS.

Separation at this age is not suggested as pecking order is starting to take shape. So if done, in sight is recommended.

Now if your birds aren't Marek's vaccinated or otherwise under quarantine... I HIGHLY suggest bringing in a pie pan or dish full of a dirty clump with grass attached from the yard they will be going to. This gives them some exposure to the things in your ground before going out full time and can go along way toward helping build some immunity. In addition, it's a great enrichment tool. Some act scared of it at first, but you will not regret it! Renew as needed.

Adding your general location to your profile can help folk make the best suggestions possible at a glance.

Them chicks are plenty big enough for short outdoor trips... depending on your weather, hence the previous recommendation.

Last but not least... that looks like a small space for the stated age, adding more may help.

Hope ya got some good suggestions and your little one heals quickly!

 

[coach723]

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Please advise.

@Ch1ckm0m Tagging you, in case you didn't see the reply.

 

[Ch1ckm0m]

Thanks so much for the thorough reply! I do have a red lamp in their currently. I will make some modifications based on your tips and see if that helps. I do know that the chicks are vaccinated so I will try to incorporate more outdoors time. Thanks!