Insect pest

[nicolette]

I live in northern California & we've been getting our 1st few days of 100 degree weather for the 1st time. I just notice that at least one out of my 16 hens has a bare red spot on her behind. What is this? Mites, lice or flea? & how do I treat it? Can you ever get rid of them? I also let my chickens out to free range. Does that make whatever is getting them worse?

 

[LittlePip21]

I'm not sure what it is, but you can check for parasites by parting the feathers, I would check the vent, head and stomach. If she has lice or mites there will be little clumps of eggs at the base of the feathers. Can you get a closer look at the sore? Maybe it's some kind of boil or wound? Hope this helps!