Bare butts

[kmfriend]

I have 7 hens and 3 have bare butts. I have had hens do this over the years and cannot figure out why. They still lay regularly and act normal so I have not been overly concerned. One hen however, has a bulging area. Any idea what the cause of the bulge is? And why the bare butt? I realize some of the photos are blurry. I had a difficult time taking them.

 

[coach723]

When mine have had bare butts it has always been from feather picking on the roosts. Redoing your roosting spacing or adding roosts may help alleviate the problem. If they are or can be nose to butt, then it makes it very easy for them. Some birds just like more space and overcrowding can cause this. For the bulge, it could be ascites, a reproductive problem, or fat deposits in the abdomen. Is that hen currently laying? Do you know when she last laid? How old is she? Does the bulge feel very firm, or water balloon like?

 

[kmfriend]

I will have my husband add more roosting space. Thanks for that. The bulge is water balloon like. I believe she is currently laying and I'm unsure of when she last laid an egg. I would guess within the last week. She is a little over one year old.

 

[coach723]

She's a little young for reproductive problems, but it can happen. If it's fluid then it's ascites, which is a symptom of many things, the liver is not functioning well or is overworked causing the fluid. Sometimes a fatty abdomen can feel very similar. Some birds are genetically predisposed to fat deposits, which can lead to fatty liver disease. Too many treats can also contribute. Try to determine if she is actually laying currently (I know that can be a challenge) as that could help narrow things down. Take a good look at their diet to see if changes should be made, treats (everything other than feed) should not make up more than 10% of the total diet. I lost a 9 month old pullet recently that had a fatty abdomen and early signs of liver disease, unusual in my flock, so most likely genetic (she was a purchased chick).

 

[kmfriend]

I hatched her last year in my classroom. She is a black maran. I rarely give treats. My girls eat laying crumbles and some veggie scraps from our kitchen. When I need to get them back in the coop I sprinkle scratch and they come running. I will try to determine if she is laying. I only have two black marans and their eggs are obvious. I will watch them today. Thank you! I will also search ascites.