Bare butt chicken

[rkinley]

Why is my hen's rear end totally without feathers? She's been this way for a while but none of the others are.

 

[dawg53]

Most likely the cause is urates in feces causing feather loss and possible redness on her bottom. When you see feces soiled feathers and fluff, simply use a garden hose with a sprayer and spray it off. Of course you'll have to catch the hen and hold her while you or someone else sprays her off. Then release her.
You can apply Nu-Stock to the area to heal and protect her from would be feather pickers as well.

 

[rkinley]

I thought that their feces always had urates in it...

 

[dawg53]

Yes, you're correct. However if it's runny, it runs down the rear end scalding the skin causing feather loss and redness to the skin.

 

[rkinley]

Yes, you're correct. However if it's runny, it runs down the rear end scalding the skin causing feather loss and redness to the skin.

Ok