Bare butt buff orp

[jennicole]

This is Sunny, my 1 year old buff Orpington hen. I noticed about a month ago her butt feathers were thinning. She is a little broody, but not terribly. Her roommate is a more aggressive RIR, but I've never seen my RIR pick on Sunny, only me. Now, I'm noticing Sunny's feathers are totally gone on her butt and spreading to under her wings. I've read a lot of forums and nothing seems to fit this type of feather loss? Thoughts please! I'm getting ready to introduce new chicks in a few weeks, so I've got to get this figured out first.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Generally, that is a sign of a mite/lice infestation. Hold her and dust her behind, under her wings and around her tail.

Repeat in 8 days. You might also have to put some dust in her favorite dusting hole, on the roosts, and even in the nest. Your choice is likely either a permithrin type or carbynol (Sevin) garden and poultry dust.

 

[jennicole]

Thank you! Would live only infest one bird? I see no signs of this in my RIR hen.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Some birds are simply more susceptible as there are differing feathering types. Once I see it on any bird, I grab her up and dust her. I may or may not dust all them, but I keep a keen eye. All birds, the entire flock get a dusting two or three times a year as a simple matter of husbandry.

Once a fluffy feathered bird gets an infestation the others may also peck those infected feathers, especially when on the roost and that rear end is right in their face. LOL A protein deficiency can exacerbate this issue as well. Lice are protein, as are feathers.

 

[jennicole]

I was planning on heading to the local tractor supply later today anyway. My husband is not a fan of pesticides, as we are also bee keepers. I will check out my options while I'm there today. Thanks again for the info. I'm researching lice/mites now and if I should treat my 13 week old chicks?

 

[jennicole]

I bought DE and we'll give that a try once I get my little one down for a nap.