"Leathery" chicken butt...maybe skin cancer? Pics attached

[coopdevie]

All,

One of our three chickens (red star breed) has this leathery patch near her vent. The patch is thick, dark red/brown in color, and tough. It's not scaly, and doesn't seem to hurt her when it's touched. The other chickens aren't pecking at her there, and she seems really perky and lively. The patch is about 1.5" in diameter, and seems to be spreading around her vent. Otherwise, her vent seems normal, and she's pooping and laying eggs just fine.

Pics below. Any ideas on this would be appreciated!

 

[CMV]

I believe you are seeing ammonia burns on her butt. I think if her butt is cleaned up and kept clean you will see a gradual fading of the color and an eventual healing of the skin. She may continue to have tougher skin there, but it shouldn't bother her.

Good luck.

 

[coopdevie]

Thank you! I think the amonia burn was it. It turns out the patch was a large scab. As the "burn" healed, the large scab came off naturally. She seems to be doing well!!!