feather loss and redness on backs,

[ian_iam]

hi folks, new hen farmer... that is I have two hens and no rooster in a backyard chicken tractor.


I bought them both about a month ago from a livestock auction who thought they were about a year old, they are barred rocks, and came with really terrible feather loss and redness that doesn't seem to be getting any better.

Also they are laying eggs daily as well, which suggests they aren't molting. is that correct?

I have been reading on the forum trying to find an answer but it seems their symptoms are inconsistent with others.

It sounds like de-pluming mites attack a bird's breast, where as these ladies have their back feathers missing, as well the tops of their shoulders, both areas are quite red, much more on one bird then the other.

They have plenty of fresh water, i'm feeding them 16% protein pellets, with occasional kitchen scraps, and moving the tractor daily to fresh long grass.

maybe feather eating? but I haven't noticed it, and would that affect their backs?

i don't think it's overcrowding either, 2 hens in a 3 foot by 8 foot tractor.

does anyone have any other ideas? would picts help?

oh and their poo looks normal too.

thanks in advance
ian

 

[ChickenToes]

It sounds to me like they are pecking each other. They usually do this from boredom, try giving them a larger area to run around in, or giving them something to play with like a cabbage or corn cobs.

 

[PDXModChick]

Pictures always help...

I've found that if I imagine all of things that could go wrong there are millions... It is hard to help without pictures... Everyone here have been great... They will have a better idea of what you are talking about...

Good luck with your new ladies! I hope everything works out well.

 

[Julie08]

is the redness sun burn? I had some hens that had feather loss on their back and actually got sunburned. I keep them inside or sunscreened until the feathers came back.

 

[messmaker]

We had 4 roosters, and they were "doin" the girls way too much. Having too many roosters made the girls loose the feathers on their backs, and the shoulders of the wings. Once they moult, I think they will be fine, but I'm not definate about that! You said they came that way...the person who had them probably had too many roos for the girls. The REAL red is prob sun burn.

 

[Chicks R Friends NOT Food]

They could be picking eachother's feathers, since you don't have a rooster. From what I've read about it, it can be from a lack of protein, boredom, or lack of space. You might want to ask some experts (not me) about feeds. Tell them what you're feeding your birds, and they should be able to determine if the food is the problem.... I think that's all the help I can give.

 

[Jerad0]

Quote:
Yes, your right, I had that same thing with my hens, to many roos.

 

[ian_iam]

just added picts, let me know what you think!!

thanks!
ian

 

[bobsgirls]

I have that on the butt of one of my flock. This may of may not help you. I washed the area with a little soapy water and towel dryed the hen. Then I put Loterman Yes the athletic foot cream on her bald area to fight any infection try it.

 

[PollyWaddle]

I've had several hens w/feather loss due to mites, roosters and picking (these pics really look like a rooster did the damage, tho'). I let them go through their natural seasons (e.g.not keeping lights on during winter to keep them laying), and almost every winter they stop laying, moult, and have beautful coats by mid-winter.

It's tricky, because they sometimes moult during the very coldest part of the winter, so I've had several of them inside until they grow enough back to stay warm.

The redness is probably sunburn. You can try sunscreen to protect them (non-toxic of course), and diluted lavendar essential oil to help heal the burn.

Good luck!