- Jun 13, 2011
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I have a 2 year old Barred Rock in a small flock--formerly 2 Barred and 2 Easter Egger, although we lost an EE to predation. The girls stopped laying after the death of their flockmate, which seems to have spurred their full yearly molt in November, then the EE started laying, then stopped again due to stress (owl pair hunting in the yard; caused a partial stress molt last year). Long story short, my Rocks haven't laid an egg since last fall, but are otherwise pretty fat and healthy.
SO....I noticed that one of the Rocks had red stripes on her legs. Last year both Rocks had bumblefoot, but after long treatment, they both recovered. I felt her legs and feet; no bumble, no heat. I noticed today that those red stripes that have been developing into redder and redder legs.
The only thing I could discover about red legs is related to roosters and hormonal surges....so....any chance my girl is turning into a "rooster"? I know it can happen in all-hen flocks..... or is there a likely other reason for the red legs?
SO....I noticed that one of the Rocks had red stripes on her legs. Last year both Rocks had bumblefoot, but after long treatment, they both recovered. I felt her legs and feet; no bumble, no heat. I noticed today that those red stripes that have been developing into redder and redder legs.
The only thing I could discover about red legs is related to roosters and hormonal surges....so....any chance my girl is turning into a "rooster"? I know it can happen in all-hen flocks..... or is there a likely other reason for the red legs?