Hen with red rump and broken feathers

[BeccaSmith]

I have a hen who had a red rump and broken feathers. She doesn't look swollen and I looked for signs of lice and I don't see any. The area is well below her vent and has a bunch of broken feathers.....or else she's having a weird molt? I haven't noticed her molting or seen any feathers anywhere. Could the broken feathers be from our rooster? And the red be like a sunburn from the sun? Just a little concerned, she doesn't appear to be in any discomfort or showing any signs of being sick. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[lindsay297]

I also have a girl that has a red backside and "broken"/missing feathers in that area. She is 10ish months old and we got her from a commercial farm that was selling off stock! Have had her for 2 months my self. Bought her and 12 others. No one else is showing this sign. She is aslo acting, eating and drinking normally. She is usually the first to get the veggie bin!! I would love an answer as well. I am not to concerned but, wondering if I am missing anything!!

Sorry I couldnt help answer....you are not the only one though!!

 

[Malibu99]

The only thing I can think of is that some of the other chickens picking on her? How old is she?

 

[BeccaSmith]

My hen is about a year old now and is a SLW. I don't think it is the other's picking on her, I spend a lot of time with them and I am sure I would have seen it. The 4 SLW are like peas in a pod and never seem to pick on each other. The only one that gets picked on is a RIR that I took in back in November and she is allowed around them but the 4 SLW hens do chase her but she isn't the one with the red area.

 

[Malibu99]

Okay. It could be a molt then :3 I hope someone who has more experience can help.

 

[BeccaSmith]

Could be, but what would make the skin in that area red? The red is what I am more concerned about. Perhaps it is nothing to worry about?

 

[Malibu99]

Any exposed chicken skin turns red. It isn't painful or anything. It's just how chickens are

*edited for spelling*

 

[BeccaSmith]

Thank you for the info! Glad to know there is no need to worry! I would be interested to know someday why the exposed skin turns red!

 

[Malibu99]

You're welcome! Same here. I think it has something to do with the oxygen, but I don't know.