Mites? Or molting? Bald patch on rooster's neck

[broodyhen2]

To me in the first picture it looked like I could see a few clumps of mites but if you say theres not I take your word for it. I wouldnt worry too much about it anyways

 

[cmlew99]

Thanks! So I did a more thorough examination of all my chickens tonight. I looked at every vent, and at the rooster's bald spot skin. Here is what I found:

1. Mr. Edith (the rooster) had some reddish skin near his vent, though no egg bunches or crawling mites visible. There was a bit of dried poop on the feathers right above his vent. No crawling mites or egg bunches visible on his bald spot either

2. I swiped my finger along the roost and nest box and didn't see any red streaks that signify red mites

3. The other vents were similar to Mr. Edith. My two heaviest layers had firm, round vent areas with dried excrement on feathers and no visible mites. It was a little bit lacking in feathers though. My Buff Brahma was perfectly healthy everywhere, but I should mention that I have been treating her for scaly leg mites for the past month or so (bag balm on legs every other night)

*also, my RIR and heaviest layer has been laying very poor egg quality recently. They are thin, and pale with a dark spot on the very top :/

Any further ideas/theories are welcome!

 

[broodyhen2]

Yes that sounds good, if there are no mites he should be fine
I your RIR hen getting enough calcium? Try giving her some crushed oyster shell and make sure she gets plenty of layers pellets
Also what age is she? some of my older hens lay thin poor quality eggs

 

[chickencoop789]

My personal opinion is that its absolutely nothing. One of my hens had a bald patch on her head for the longest time, no mites or lice or anything of that sort. The next time she molted her feathers filled in the bald spot completely.

 

[Skiddlebean]

I am having a similar problem. Do you think this is the same thing? Should I be worried? It has been slowly getting bigger for the last 5 months. She seems to be acting normal. There are no signs of pecking. Also the rest of her feathers are pale and don't seem to be as soft. Can anyone help?