Mites or Bordem?

[Chicken-newb]

Just noticed one hens butt is completely bare/red. First noticed three days ago and now I'm seeing other hens with similar issues but none as bad as this poor girl.

Some background info:
- 13 hens, 1 rooster
- All about 22 wks old
- Just started laying around 18wks (not sure which hens are laying though)
- Live in the Hoop Coop (8'x12' tractor from Cotton River Farms plan) that is moved every day to fresh grass.
- Switched to layer feed around 18wks, supplement with crushed egg shells for Calcium, given one small bowl of produce from the garden daily for all 14 (try to minimize to avoid low protein issues)
- Likely a mix of barred rock and Leghorn (my neighbor said she only has barred rock, leghorn, and Americana and we got all the chicks from her)

I have just purchased all-flock feed so I can increase their protein. Also gave them some scrambled eggs with shells in it to help with the protein in case it's that. Purchased permetherin spray to treat their coop and it says you can spray it on the birds too? Haven't used it yet because the instructions are not so great. I also purchased a no pick lotion that I can put on there. I assume they are too young to molt. Worried with winter approaching (in MN). Not sure how long it would take to grow back even when I do fix the issue.

 

[MandS]

That looks like pecking to me. You've probably got one of them that precious the others backsides. Often it's the (only) hen with the fluffy butt that's the culprit. If I'm right, there's not much you can do now until they moult and regrow.

I also use a product with a bitter tasting spray that stops it but it's a daily application and sometimes multiple times daily.

It is often boredom but sometimes you can get a hen that just likes eating others feathers...

You could check their sleeping area. That's where they hide out if they are lice. On perches or in the corners/edges. Look for eggs on the base of feathers too. If you find any, get some spray sand do the entire sleeping area.

Don't know how cold it gets where you are but I'm usually more concerned about the sun and getting burnt. We get into the freezing point in our winters and I've had some more or less looking like your girl. They were ok and eventually regrow but then you can find their lovely plumage disappears again just as soon as it's blossomed.

Good luck.

 

[pennyJo1960]

If the cockerel is mounting her he may need a break for her.