chicken disease?

[CB3fish]

Rhode red hen that has lost most of the feathers on her neck and I do not think this is molting but it looks like some type of skin desease? Any ideas?

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and Welcome to BYC!

I picture would help. I could be molting or even mites. However many times missing feathers from the neck area can be from aggression from other flock mates. They love to go after the neck, tails or butts when being aggressive. Sometimes they pluck feathers for more protein as well.

First, make sure they are on a good diet. Much of the time they pick on each other because they are bored and cramped in. So make sure they have enough space....5 square foot per bird in the coop, 10 square feet per bird in the run. Give them things to do...hanging cabbages or veggies, seed blocks, mirrors, ladders, things to climb on....anything to amuse them to keep them from picking on each other.

As for any bare skin showing, spray on some blu-kote to the neck area so the others will not keep picking at this bird. If you know who is the bully, you can separate the bully out for a couple weeks, or even use pinless peepers on the bully.

Also, do a good look on this bird to make sure this is not mites or lice. They can lose feathers where there are mites present.

Good luck with your flock and welcome to our flock!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC - any possibility that another bird is feather plucking her?

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! You've gotten some good suggestions / advice above, good luck with your hen.

 

[gander007]

 

[CB3fish]

Thank you. My three chickens have the free run of my entire back yard, fenced in they have tons of room. I notice the flock I got mine from also had a few loosing feathers on the neck. They do not appear to be hitting on one another or the naked one. I still suspect it is some skin problem; they get cracked corn and a natural pellet, well balanced. They scratch and eat all day. I grew up on a farm and we had chickens but never saw this condition before? After some more observation and thought, I believe it is picking. I bought Pick No More and I am using it. Thank you.