We have been backyard chicken owners for 4 years and it's been such a wonderful experience. We are also lucky that we have never had any health problems with our girls.
A week ago, however, my husband went to check on the ladies when the temperature had plummeted into the single digits and found one of our Delaware hens with what looked like a gooey egg frozen and sticking out of her butt. It was gross looking but she seemed fine otherwise. My husband gently pulled it off and she went on her merry way as though nothing had happened. However, her butt looks terrible. She is missing feathers and the skin looks raw, like her butt had been attacked. A few days later, same thing.
She is still eating and looks totally normal until you see her from the back.
Other info: We are in NJ where it has been shockingly cold. We have a standard shoplight with a heat bulb in the coop. The ladies are all laying fewer eggs than the summer, which is normal. I supplement their feed with lots of fresh produce and the occasional bakery item.
What should I do for my girl?
Thanks!
A week ago, however, my husband went to check on the ladies when the temperature had plummeted into the single digits and found one of our Delaware hens with what looked like a gooey egg frozen and sticking out of her butt. It was gross looking but she seemed fine otherwise. My husband gently pulled it off and she went on her merry way as though nothing had happened. However, her butt looks terrible. She is missing feathers and the skin looks raw, like her butt had been attacked. A few days later, same thing.
She is still eating and looks totally normal until you see her from the back.
Other info: We are in NJ where it has been shockingly cold. We have a standard shoplight with a heat bulb in the coop. The ladies are all laying fewer eggs than the summer, which is normal. I supplement their feed with lots of fresh produce and the occasional bakery item.
What should I do for my girl?
Thanks!
