bare, red spots on back

[Trishkabob]

we have a JG, about a year old, laying well, happy, but where her back meets her tail feathers we notice a bare, red area like she has been pulling feathers from there. It rained all day yesterday and she was bedraggled and we noticed it more as a result. Noone is pecking her (I spend an embarrassing amount of time with them and we have only 3). Molting? But, if so, should it be red and sort of angry looking?
Our SLW has a problem with clearing her under-tail feathers when she poops and we have had to clean that off to reduce the "diaper rash" (which seemed to make her very happy once the deed was done). This looks similarly rash-like. They preen alot...I don't SEE any parasites but could this be something to address?

 

[moetrout]

What you are describing sounds like my hens after the rooster has shagged them a few too many times. He is gone now and the feathers have started growing back in. The red you are seeing is what live chicken skin looks like.

 

[gritsar]

I would suspect mites. Easiest way I've found to check for mites - arm yourself with a flashlight and go into the coop at night, after all the chickens are roosting. Pick up the chicken with the bare spots and turn her bottoms up. Use the flashlight to look for specks that appear to be black, white or red pepper that are moving, around her vent area. That's mites. Be sure and check in the corners and crevices of the coop too. Some mites hide in the crevices during the day and come out at night to feed on the chicken.

 

[Trishkabob]

no rooster, for awhile, so no shagging. but we can check for mites for sure. If they have 'em should we dust the coop with DE? Or one of their dusting areas? I have some, but have read mixed reviews and have mixed feelings about using it. Maybe it is worth it to do a dusting whether we find mites or not if she/they are uncomfortable. I only noticed it when she went out in the rain and her feathers got wet and parted.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I use DE as a preventive, but I don't have much faith in it as a treatment for some strange reason. There's a spray called Poulty Protector (I got it at Atwoods, which is similiar to a Tractor Supply) that I've had good results with. I also have something I keep on hand called Y*Tex Gardstar Garden and Poultry Dust. It's permethrin. I'll use that in the coop when the chickens are not present, but I won't use it on the chickens themselves. I know there's one of the broad spectrum cattle wormers - used "off-label" on chickens that has the added benefit of treating mites. I can't remember which one off the top of my head; but a search should turn it up for you.