Hen With Featherless Bum

[JacobMaxwell]

For a while now one of my hens has had a completely bare bum area. I have watched her and the rest of the chickens for extended periods of time and I didn't see any pecking going on. As you can see from the photo the area is slightly brused. It doesn't seem to be getting any worse or better.

 

[JacobMaxwell]

I was hoping for some advice.

 

[cravenchx]

from our experience, it happens when they roost, of course at night. It happened last fall, it seems to have gotten better now for they all have fluffy butts again. There are ointments that you can use, but didn't seem to be much help for us.

 

[JacobMaxwell]

from our experience, it happens when they roost, of course at night. It happened last fall, it seems to have gotten better now for they all have fluffy butts again. There are ointments that you can use, but didn't seem to be much help for us.

How much longer would you say before the bum gets re-feathered?

 

[bucky52]

You are not alone.I have a pullet that has a bare bottom also.i bought her in the house and gave her a warm epsom salts soak.and put some salve on her.that was a few weeks ago.and her bottom is still bald.

 

[cravenchx]

honestly, about 3 months, butt

they didn't seem to be any worse for the wear.

 

[Irishgirl]

From what I've heard, I'm pretty sure your hens are molting

 

[JacobMaxwell]

From what I've heard, I'm pretty sure your hens are molting

She's been like this for more than two weeks (probably three). If she was molting, I would most certainly see some new feather sheaths by now.

 

[cubalaya]

i would say the other chickens are pecking those feathers and maybe she is even pecking a few of her own. the molt is over and spring is coming. this is when the feather is at its best. let your bird free range away from the other chickens and i would bet she would look better in a month or two.

 

[JacobMaxwell]

i would say the other chickens are pecking those feathers and maybe she is even pecking a few of her own. the molt is over and spring is coming. this is when the feather is at its best. let your bird free range away from the other chickens and i would bet she would look better in a month or two.

They could be pecking when I'm not looking, but as I said in the original post, I've watched them allot and haven't witnessed any hostilities. I usually let them free range for half an hour or so each day.