Chicken has a patch of red skin on her side

[njbuitendag]

I live in South Africa and have had my chickens for 11 months. My koekoek chicken has a large red patch on her side.

It seems to have happened overnight. Can this be because of change in season from Winter to Spring - Our Spring has been extremely hot or is it mites. Only the one chicken has it.

Appreciate any help.

Thanks

Natalie

 

[Pork Pie]

Maybe a photo would help the experts?

CT

 

[njbuitendag]

Here is a photo

 

[njbuitendag]

And one from a distance

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I see where broken/chewed feathers that could have been either plucked out by her and another chicken.

Bright red skin and feather damage like that can be an indication of Feather Mites. These cannot be seen by the naked eye, they live under the skin and in the feather follicles and cause irritation (causing a chicken to pluck it's own feathers).

Check her over for any poultry lice/mites that can been seen as well (usually find those around the vent, under the wings).

Most effective treatment for Feather Mites is Ivermectin (this will treat regular lice/mites too).

Also give some poultry vitamins and extra protein like egg, fish or meat.

https://chickenwired.wordpress.com/2014/09/21/parasites-of-poultry/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1105272/broken-feathers-depluming-mites-mange-answers

 

[njbuitendag]

Thank you . I will give both suggestions a try.