large bald patch on my 2 bantams! HELP!

[Jimmy H]

Once again I am coming to you all for advice on bald patches on my hens. My big Legbar has definite signs of pecking and after much observation I think she lets it happen she is the biggest by far and it seems she lets the others have the odd peck. My exchequer Leghorn has no scars and seems to be to be a prolific pecker and now my 2 bantams have very large bald patches righ down their backs. There is no obvious sign of pecking as the skin is very clean and smooth.

What could it be. We were recently away for a few days so they were confined to their hutch rather than their wider run could this be something to do with it?

Please help.

 

[TwoCrows]

Absolutely....cooped up birds turn on each other. Other possibilities for for bald spots on necks is over mating with roosters and mites. But because you recently left them cooped up, I am going to say yes, this is aggression.

Separating out the bully for a few weeks can sometimes make a difference as it gives the flock time to readjust the pecking order and cause the bully to come back as a new bird. Make sure to keep the bully out of view of the flock for a few weeks. Also, offer up more room. Crammed in birds go off on each other. You can also add some hanging veggies or cabbages, seed pecking blocks or a flake of alfalfa hay. Give them something to do other than pick on each other.

After weeks have passed, reintroducing this bully should have changed the order a bit. If all else fails, you can use pinless peepers on the bully. I have a hen that has to wear this eye wear occasionally. LOL

For now, use some blu-kote spray on the wounds or any flesh that is showing. Birds go after pink flesh and red bald spots. This is an antiseptic spray that will not only prevent infection, but color the skin so that the others will not peck at that area. You can get this at most feed stores in the horse section. Wear gloves when applying it as it will stain your hands. If using it round faces, spray it into a glass bowl and apply with a q-tip.

Good luck with your flock! If you have any other questions, you know where we are!

 

[Jimmy H]

Thanks.I agree I think it is not being allowed out whilst we were away for a few days. Annoying as it means I will have to look for a bigger run. They are used to free ranging every other day.

Will get them sprayed and look at moving the bully. this will be harder to do as I am not sure where she can go. I will also look into pinless peepers.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Good luck with your hens, X2 it sounds like you have a bully/ feather picker that got more active while locked up, pinless peepers are a really good choice especially if you know who it is.

 

[gander007]