Could my hens be sunburned?

[TurkeyMountainChickens]

Hi! I had too many roos - 3 for 13 hens, and a few of my autralorps ended up barebacked. The roo situation was corrected 3 months ago; we now have only the one rooster.

However, I've noticed that where the skin on the backs of my hens was white/pink, it is now deep red. Could they be sunburned? The girls have been out a lot now that the grass is greening up. If so, what should I do?

Thanks!

 

[dawg53]

Yes, they could be sunburned or even wind burned. I recommend you purchase chicken saddles and they'll protect the hens' back until they moult,at which time their feathers should grow back out. There's a couple of BYC members on here who sell them at reasonable prices. However I dont remember their names unfortunately, sorry.

 

[chookchick]

When chicken skin is exposed to the air (larger areas) it turns red, this is a completely normal reaction. The chicken saddles/aprons are a good idea. Try doing a search here, you can find patterns to make your own if you want.