I think my hen is being picked on.

[UrbanHenKW123]

So I noticed today that one of my three hens is missing feathers on one side. Her skin looks like she’s been pecked at. I haven’t witnessed the other girls picking on her but she is the most docile. They’ve been kicking over their dust bath so they might be fighting over that. But other than that I’m at a loss. I’m up in Canada and it’s been mild this winter but really wet. Maybe the weather ? Should I separate her until she heals ?

 

[DobieLover]

So I noticed today that one of my three hens is missing feathers on one side. Her skin looks like she’s been pecked at. I haven’t witnessed the other girls picking on her but she is the most docile. They’ve been kicking over their dust bath so they might be fighting over that. But other than that I’m at a loss. I’m up in Canada and it’s been mild this winter but really wet. Maybe the weather ? Should I separate her until she heals ?

Her skin doesn't look damaged. I'd leave her with the flock.

 

[UrbanHenKW123]

Her skin doesn't look damaged. I'd leave her with the flock.

Ok thanks ! My husband just built them a bigger dust bath that they can go into. And it’s heavy enough they can’t tip it over.

If they break the skin should I remove her ?

 

[Criticalicious]

I'd suggest applying Blu Kote to hide the bare spot except it was recalled in Canada. Maybe someone can suggest an alternative that's safe for chickens. Check carefully for mites that could cause the feather loss, and otherwise, I can tell you it may take months for the feathers to grow back - basically, until she molts again it may stay bare.

 

[DobieLover]

Ok thanks ! My husband just built them a bigger dust bath that they can go into. And it’s heavy enough they can’t tip it over.

If they break the skin should I remove her ?

I would use either pine tar or 'pick-no-more' and keep her with the flock. Make sure they have lots of room and places where she can get out of the line of sight of the others if she needs to.

 

[UrbanHenKW123]

I would use either pine tar or 'pick-no-more' and keep her with the flock. Make sure they have lots of room and places where she can get out of the line of sight of the others if she needs to.

Ok thanks ! Any idea where I can get these things in Canada ?
My husband just built a larger dust bath area and we put some sand and DE in there. She’s been in it for over an hour. While the other two and hopped in and out. I’m thinking maybe mites ? Even in the winter ?

 

[Peppercorngal]

It doesn't look like an injury at all, and not from pecking for sure. Looks like a spot that is constantly rubbed, like when roosting at night, etc. I wouldn't worry about it, she looks fine and happy to me. Just because she stays in the dust bath doesn't mean anything but that she likes it! Some of mine lay in the dirt for hours at a time and some do not. Don't fret, she looks good to me!

 

[DobieLover]

Ok thanks ! Any idea where I can get these things in Canada ?
My husband just built a larger dust bath area and we put some sand and DE in there. She’s been in it for over an hour. While the other two and hopped in and out. I’m thinking maybe mites ? Even in the winter ?

If you think she has mites, take her off the roost at night and use a flash light to closely examine her skin, near the vent and under her wings.
Taking a long bath does not mean she has mites.
Prevention is easier than curing if she is being feather picked. Make sure they have A LOT of space. Using just 10 sq ft per bird is the bare minimum and IMHO, not enough. I don't know how much space they typically have access to.
What exactly are you feeding your birds?

 

[UrbanHenKW123]

If you think she has mites, take her off the roost at night and use a flash light to closely examine her skin, near the vent and under her wings.
Taking a long bath does not mean she has mites.
Prevention is easier than curing if she is being feather picked. Make sure they have A LOT of space. Using just 10 sq ft per bird is the bare minimum and IMHO, not enough. I don't know how much space they typically have access to.
What exactly are you feeding your birds?

We have a small coop and run combo hut meets over the minimum of the chicken math but we’re going to extend it with some “chunnels” tomorrow to see if that helps. We’re feeding them an organic layer feed plus I have a hangy treat thing I put scratch, veggies and other things to keep them occupied.

 

[UrbanHenKW123]

I would use either pine tar or 'pick-no-more' and keep her with the flock. Make sure they have lots of room and places where she can get out of the line of sight of the others if she needs to.

Found and ordered the pick no more ! Will hopefully be here tomorrow !