Bare Butts

[ddcoyne]

I visited my husband's uncle's chicken coop yesterday to check out his chickens and was appalled to see that every single one of his birds had a completely bare, bright pink butt. He told us that they pick each others rear ends completely bald. It was awful looking! He said that every chicken he's ever had has done this. I need to make sure my chickens don't do this. If I notice it starting, how can I make sure to stop this behavior? Thanks!

 

[faykokoWV]

does he ever treat his birds for mites?

 

[ddcoyne]

I really have no idea. I didn't ask him. I am a chicken newbie, and so I had no idea what might cause this. But I'm certain I don't want it to happen to my birds!

 

[Naturenut]

I have nine, almost a year old, and only two (black sex links) have bare butts - I don't see mites and I don't see the others pecking at them so whats up? They act normal in every other way. I haven't treated for mites so maybe I should. Any ideas?

 

[tammye]

I bet you have a feather plucker you just have not seen her do it, it took a while foe me to see my girl do it, she does it while roosting, sneaks her head over and pluck goes another butt feather, the the skin turns rad I guess from being exposed to the air. This can be a difficult problem to break.