Bloody bum

[Phaefner]

I’m not really sure what’s going on here. I have kicked the rest of the chickens out of the coop for the day until I figure out what to do with this girl.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I'd say wash the area off really good, clean off all the blood, & get better pictures?


@Kiki @azygous @Wyorp Rock

 

[Phaefner]

I'd say wash the area off really good, clean off all the blood, & get better pictures?


@Kiki @azygous @Wyorp Rock

 

[MysteryChicken]

I think the other chickens were pecking at her vent, & butt feathers.

 

[azygous]

I suspect this hen has an egg stuck, perhaps is in the process of prolapsing, straining and trying to expel the egg. Right this minute, giving a calcium tablet would be a wise step. It will strengthen her contractions. The others have pecked her vent and she's now suffering from wounds that need treatment, too. Smooth on some antibiotic ointment without pain killer.

Since she has such a messy rear, a warm soak in a little Epsom salt and soapy water would be a good start. It will further cleanse the wound and relax her.

Warm some big towels in the dryer and place them in a crate with her enthroned on them. The continued warmth will help her and the warm towels will supply the moist heat she requires as her wet butt feathers dry.

 

[Phaefner]

I think I have a canibal. I noticed a couple of them running around pecking at all the butts. I’ve separated them the best

I think the other chickens were pecking at her vent, & butt feathers.

After watching them, I think your right. Any suggestions on how to stop this nonsense? They have all been together for 2 years and nothing has changed except the weather.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I think I have a canibal. I noticed a couple of them running around pecking at all the butts. I’ve separated them the best

After watching them, I think your right. Any suggestions on how to stop this nonsense? They have all been together for 2 years and nothing has changed except the weather.

Chicken toys are a great way to entertain bored hens, to break their bad habit of vent pecking, and butt plucking.

 

[Phaefner]

When I was washing her up I felt around the vent area and I didn’t feel anything hard in there. But I will go get some calcium pills. While I’m out and about, is there a special kind of spray that I can use to keep them from pecking? I bought “Stop that Peckin” but I honestly think it makes pecking worse.

 

[MysteryChicken]

When I was washing her up I felt around the vent area and I didn’t feel anything hard in there. But I will go get some calcium pills. While I’m out and about, is there a special kind of spray that I can use to keep them from pecking? I bought “Stop that Peckin” but I honestly think it makes pecking worse.

Maybe blue kote spray might help. It's also an antiseptic I think. I hope I'm remembering this correctly.

 

[azygous]

Pinless peepers for the cannibal would help. Definitely try to identify the culprit and isolate her. You may need to spend some time observing in order to nail down who's doing this.

But as a rule, chickens need a "juicy" target, and that leads me to think this wounded hen may be struggling to get a collapsed egg out. Treating with calcium and moist heat isn't going to hurt her in any event.

I wouldn't return this hen to the flock in this condition. She's as vulnerable to being pecked further as if she were wearing raw hamburger on her ass.