Bare bottomed hen

[achickymama]

I brought this girl in to bathe her, get a better look at her bare bum and to check for mites. This is what I found and I have no idea what to think!

It looks like the dark spots are dried blood from the feathers and they didn't wash off. Any ideas? I have several girls who look like they're molting, all just over a year. Of the 8, she's the only one with a bare bottom.

 

[achickymama]

 

[Shabana]

If it's a mite problem the skin will be red her comb might be pale, her tail down. She might linger and not want to go in to roost at night.
Feathers might appear frayed and lack lustre.

She might also be broody as they loose feathers from their under carriage. In this instance she will sit flat in the nest and only pop out a couple if times a day to feed and poop.

I would imagine it will be one of these if you haven't seen any picking going on.

Hope she goes on ok x

 

[achickymama]

All hens look all over heathy, super red combs/wattles, shiny feathers (what little some have!) and I'm getting about 7 eggs a day from 8 girls.

Skins not irritated. This one in particular is definitely not broody. Hmmmm....I cleaned the coop and treated with DE but I saw nothing creepy crawly.

 

[Shabana]

I would dust with sevin dust and put some on the roost ends and dust bathing area.
I would also provide a little extra protein to help them grow more feathers. Fishy cat food is a good source.

A lot of birds molt this way but I would suggest you also treat for mites to cover your bases although they sound healthy.

Best of luck x

 

[achickymama]

Thank you!!!!