Bare Butts

[Ryan F]

Can anyone help me identify the root cause of my bare chicken butts. Although I imagine I would not see lice or mites given their size, I have put down food grade diatomaceous earth. It is only hens and not all of them. Rooster show no signs, nor do any of the young chicks we recently put out there. I have notice that the two ducks we have in there with them are getting more aggressive so I wouldn't rule out feather plucking.



Thank you for you advice!

Ryan

 

[Chullicken]

Probably should start out with a thorough inspection of your girls to rule things out. More likely your flock has a feather puller due to some issue such as boredom, protein deficiency, crowded etc. Poultry will pluck the butt feathers and eat them to fill that deficiency. May also want to sit out with them or observe them when they are not in the coop and look for a potential butt picker. Few articles on here that can aid you in treatment of such conditions.

 

[Ryan F]

The cold weather making observations for any length of time difficult (Midwest), and when we are out there they are more focused on us. That being said they have also been confined in coop (11' x 12' / 2 story) to block out drafts so boredom may be an issue. Not sure what to inspect for? Protein intake is good we buy local non-GMO feed that is 18% protein and we've been given them cracked corn in the evening for some extra calories during the night.

 

[Welshies]

The cold weather making observations for any length of time difficult (Midwest), and when we are out there they are more focused on us. That being said they have also been confined in coop (11' x 12' / 2 story) to block out drafts so boredom may be an issue. Not sure what to inspect for? Protein intake is good we buy local non-GMO feed that is 18% protein and we've been given them cracked corn in the evening for some extra calories during the night.

A) How many hens? How many roos?
B) How much cracked corn?
I suspect they need more protein. Cracked corn and other scraps (yes, veggies included) are treats and decrease protein levels. They should not make up more than 10% of all feed fed.
I'd suggest 20%.

 

[Ryan F]

A) How many hens? How many roos?
1 Roo (maybe some new ones in the young ones) and 17 hens (1F/2M ducks as well)
B) How much cracked corn? (not much at all, just in the evening before bed when it's cold out, the rest is their regular layer organic feed. What sources of protein do you recommend I supplement with?

 

[Welshies]

A) How many hens? How many roos?
1 Roo (maybe some new ones in the young ones) and 17 hens (1F/2M ducks as well)
B) How much cracked corn? (not much at all, just in the evening before bed when it's cold out, the rest is their regular layer organic feed. What sources of protein do you recommend I supplement with?

Actually, I suggest you switch off your layer feed asap.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/why-you-should-stop-feeding-layer-feed-now.73535/
Get a higher protein feed.
Do your chickens get to go outside each day?

 

[Ryan F]

When it's nice out (over 15-20 F) they have access to outside all day, in warmer weather they free range a portion of the day couple days a week. It's been tough with our cold weather we were battling some frost bite so they have been more confined over the past few weeks.

 

[Welshies]

When it's nice out (over 15-20 F) they have access to outside all day, in warmer weather they free range a portion of the day couple days a week. It's been tough with our cold weather we were battling some frost bite so they have been more confined over the past few weeks.

I would suggest you keep letting them out. I let mine out up to -4F (-20C). Your birds will tell you if they are comfortable. If they are sitting fluffed up don't let them out.
They seem to be lacking in their dietary needs as well as somewhat bored, I'd guess.

 

[Ryan F]

Also forgot I do give them meal worms maybe I will provide more over the winter.

 

[Welshies]

Also forgot I do give them meal worms maybe I will provide more over the winter.

No, that is not the answer. Increasing protein using treats will not help. Scrambled eggs are about 12% of protein. Not sure what mealworms are but I think 19%. By feeding more treats you are actually somewhat decreasing protein.
Switch to a good non layer feed (especially since you have a roo) and don't let treats make up more than 5-10% of their total diet.