BO with scabby bare spot and vent is sort of purplish....what do I do?

[LittleHouseDreams]

Hi all, I noticed today that one of my three hens has a bare spot underneath her with some scabby places there and also around her vent seems sort of purple. She just started laying a few weeks ago and I really am not sure if she did this herself or if the other two did this to her? (I've not seen them pick at each other.) How do I help her? Do I bring her inside and let her heal indoors alone or do I treat her with something and put her back in the hen house? I'm new to chickening so any advice is greatly appreciated. If you need anymore information please let me know.

Thanks,
Noelle

 

[LynneP]

Hi Noelle

Have you noticed any down or feathers in the nest boxes? Sometimes a hen will start to go broody by picking out a circle of feathers on her abdomen, leaving the flesh bare to offer direct contact to eggs. She may or may not be emotional, and loud. Some of them become 'demure' and very private. Is she showing excessive interest in eggs?

Also, check her gently to see she is not otherwise in trouble- like prolapse or eggbound...the scabs may be healing marks where she nipped herself.

If you suspect she is broody and that nothing else is wrong, remove eggs as soon after laying as you can, remove golf balls or other egg surrogates, and continue to observe her carefully.

Sometimes a broody will spend excessive time in the nests neglecting food and water so they can 'go light' in a matter of days. If she is spending extra time in the nest and will not quit, at least give her some food in there. My girl 'Zipfi' was broody for two weeks, lost weight and was 'hormonal'. She broke off it though and the feathers are coming back.

Please let us know how your girl is doing!

 

[LittleHouseDreams]

Lynne,

Thank you so much for your response! I will watch and see if what you suggest is in fact what is happening. Can a first time layer go broody so early?

Thanks again,

Noelle