I need Help! Loosing Feathers, Holes in skin...?

[ClarissaT]

Hi, I'm brand new to raising chickens.
I just purchased some mature hens from someone else and one had a lot of missing feathers on her back. The previous owner had a rooster and he explained to me that it was due to her being the rooster's favorite to breed with. Well, several months away from the rooster and her feathers are not yet coming back in....worse still is I believe she has spread whatever she has to others in my flock (roughly 2 as far as I can tell). I currently have 13 mature hens (purchased from various people) and 5 chicks that are not yet layers. I attempted to take pictures of the ones that are the most affected. Please help! Should I leave the affected ones out for the coyotes (who have been coming consistently for a few days) or attempt to save them? The one that looks the worst appears to have survived an attempt on her life....she looks Rough and has a hole in her back that almost made me sick when i found it.

 

[TheKindaFarmGal]

It can take a while for feathers to grow back. The second hen pictured looks like she's just molting - you can see the feathers coming back already. As for the hole, it looks like they got attacked. You need to treat that. It doesn't look fresh, so just put some blue Kote on and keep flies away. Check them for wounds in other places and make sure they are healing correctly. It can take a long time.

For sure don't leave the poor things out for the coyotes!! That will just encourage predators to come and have a nice meal from the rest of your birds.

 

[ClarissaT]

Thank you for your advice. I feel so much better about our situation...as I was starting to wonder whether or not I was suitable to be a chicken owner or not. I have some Blue Kote on the way and will apply it to her wound as soon as it arrives. I also dusted her with Diatomaceous Earth, in hopes it will help keep the bugs away. Should I add something to their water source, to help in the healing process?

 

[TheKindaFarmGal]

Thank you for your advice. I feel so much better about our situation...as I was starting to wonder whether or not I was suitable to be a chicken owner or not. I have some Blue Kote on the way and will apply it to her wound as soon as it arrives. I also dusted her with Diatomaceous Earth, in hopes it will help keep the bugs away. Should I add something to their water source, to help in the healing process?

Sounds good!

You could put some ACV (apple cider vinegar) in their water every few days, but nothing is necessary. ACV is good for chickens, whether they are healthy or not.