dry skin & comb?

[MomMommyMamma]

I have noticed that after we hold some of our chickens we have what look like dandruff on our shirts. If I look at their feathers at the base, it seems like there is dandruff there too. Also noticed today that one of the RIR rooster combs looks dry (like when you look at your hands in the winter and the skin looks dry). Is it possible that they aren't getting enough fats in their diet? They're nearly 6 months old now. They're transitioning from chick/grower feed to Layena. Any thoughts? Do I need to do anything? Is this just from molting (the apparently dry skin) or is this a symptom of something else? They all seem very healthy and robust.

 

[CMV]

Here is a fact sheet on the 2 most common external parasites to be found on chickens. If what you are seeing does not look like evidence of these guys, then you are likely OK.

http://ohioline.osu.edu/vme-fact/0018.html

Any dry skin on a chicken can be resolved with the application of a little Bag Balm or vaseline, but I would not be alarmed about it. If you are using a commercial feed formula then it is formulated with plenty of fat. If you are using something other than a commercial feed formula then you may need to review your ingredients keeping the dry skin in mind.

Good luck.

 

[MomMommyMamma]

Quote:
No, it doesn't look like any of those pics. That roo went to a new home today. If I see it on any of the other birds I'll get a pic up. He was the only bird we have that doesn't have a rose comb. He was a RIR w/ a large comb.

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

We have birds with dry skin AND birds with dry combs. No real reason why, as some of them are actually inside right now, free from draft and chill. But I'm sure that seasonal stuff still gets to some of them.

Dry skin, there is little than can be done, unless you want to go through every individual section of the skin, preening through the feathers and applying vasaline to every dry area you see.

Dry comb, however, is very easy to deal with. Same thing, really. Just take some stuff and rub it into the comb. Alot of birds like it and will actually close their eyes while you're giving them their little massage. I have a roo who falls asleep when he's getting his comb treatment.

I use Aquaphor or store brand 'dry-skin-goop'. Nothing fancy.