I have a hen that is missing feathers on her back from the roo getting to her. Well, evidently this hen hasn't molted because she's still missing the feathers and still laying eggs (although not as much as she was...maybe one every other day or so since the days are shorter). She does have a few of what appears to be little stubbles of new feathers growing in..not sure, but there's a pretty big section on her back that is featherless.
Anyway, we are in the middle of the biggest cold snap we've had in about 25 years or so....several days in a row where it hasn't gotten above freezing...temps in the teens and 20's and wind chill of 5 to 0, so I'm worried about her.
Hubby put a 100 watt bulb in the coop to give them a little heat, but her back is reddish pink looking. It looks like it is raw or something...looks like it would hurt, but she's still eating and drinking fine and seems fine. I haven't noticed them trying to peck at it or anything.
Is there anything I can do to help soothe or treat it? Vaseline? Antibiotic ointment, etc.?
Thanks!
Anyway, we are in the middle of the biggest cold snap we've had in about 25 years or so....several days in a row where it hasn't gotten above freezing...temps in the teens and 20's and wind chill of 5 to 0, so I'm worried about her.
Hubby put a 100 watt bulb in the coop to give them a little heat, but her back is reddish pink looking. It looks like it is raw or something...looks like it would hurt, but she's still eating and drinking fine and seems fine. I haven't noticed them trying to peck at it or anything.
Is there anything I can do to help soothe or treat it? Vaseline? Antibiotic ointment, etc.?
Thanks!
