BARE BUTTS

[amymitchell]

I have been treating feather loss on back sides of my hens for about 6 weeks. Vet diagnosed with mites and I treated once a week for 4 weeks with Gardstar garden and poultry dust with permethrin. I have also been dusting with DE with a duster in all cracks, walls and ground of coop. I also have a dust bath with some DE added. 2 of my 6 have very red bare butts, 2 are recovering and 2 never had an issue. I am seeing signs of molting across chest and necks. They otherwise are acting fine. I have had more problems with this batch than my first. Had a pecking issue that the feather never seamed to recover from on one. Pecking appears resolved, no bleeding or wounds. I found one mysteriously dead one morning, no injuries, almost like she stroked out of had a heart attack and fell of her perch. Can molting last this long? Any other suggestions? I dont see mites but vet said he did.

 

[chickenlittle21]

These links might be helpful:
https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/chicken-feather-loss-cause-and-cure/

https://www.southernstates.com/farm-store/articles/when-chickens-are-missing-feathers

 

[donddon]

I have a silkie who pecked butt feathers from all her pen mates all winter. They have all been free range since the weather broke and everybody's feathers have grown back.