My chicken has a bald spot!?

[Chickenma2021]

I went outside this morning to let the chickens free range when I noticed my 7-8 month old chicken had a bald spot on her butt. There are little stems in her skin still from the feathers and a little bit of blood. Does anyone know what I should do? (Note: she is a very flighty chicken and doesn't work with me very well) I'm assuming its from being picked on, and I think I know who the bully chicken is. I do have a small pen that I can put in the garage if she needs to be separated.

 

[azygous]

Your bald butt chicken could be picked on, it could be interrupted molt, or molt in progress and the occasional new pin feather is getting pecked, resulting in bleeding.

For starters, you can paint Blu-kote on her bald area to divert attention away from it. The blue stain is a neutral color. If this fails, you may need to separate her and try to rehabilitate her to gain self confidence so bullying is less likely to occur with her. This is my program. https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/chicken-bully-chicken-victim-a-two-sided-issue.73923/

You need to cultivate trust in your chickens so they can be handled when the need arises. Do this during relaxing periods by offering treats from your (gloved) hand and graduate to touching them as they feed from your hand. Soon all of them will be much more comfortable being touched and handled.

 

[Chickenma2021]

Your bald butt chicken could be picked on, it could be interrupted molt, or molt in progress and the occasional new pin feather is getting pecked, resulting in bleeding.

For starters, you can paint Blu-kote on her bald area to divert attention away from it. The blue stain is a neutral color. If this fails, you may need to separate her and try to rehabilitate her to gain self confidence so bullying is less likely to occur with her. This is my program. https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/chicken-bully-chicken-victim-a-two-sided-issue.73923/

You need to cultivate trust in your chickens so they can be handled when the need arises. Do this during relaxing periods by offering treats from your (gloved) hand and graduate to touching them as they feed from your hand. Soon all of them will be much more comfortable being touched and handled.

Thanks for the info! Do you know where I could get Blu-Kote? I don't have any/never heard of it.

 

[Chickenma2021]

Correct me if I'm wrong, from my understanding I will separate the "victim" chicken from the flock in the daytime for a week or so? Then she will hopefully gain her confidence? Or will I have to separate the bully from the flock for a little bit?

 

[azygous]

Are you in the US? If you are in Europe or Asia, you may be able to ask at your pharmacy for gentian violet. It's an antibacterial/anti-fungal. Blu-kote is formulated with gentian violet being the main ingredient. If in the US (see how much time it would save if you filled out your location in your profile?) ask at your feed store. It's sold in most feed stores in the US.

Read my article on treating bullying victims. Yes, my approach is to treat the victim, not the bully. The article explains the reasoning behind this. It may require up to three weeks, but usually one week will get the job done. You will know if her self confidence has been restored when she stands up for herself instead of allowing herself to be bullied and pecked.

 

[Chickenma2021]

Are you in the US? If you are in Europe or Asia, you may be able to ask at your pharmacy for gentian violet. It's an antibacterial/anti-fungal. Blu-kote is formulated with gentian violet being the main ingredient. If in the US (see how much time it would save if you filled out your location in your profile?) ask at your feed store. It's sold in most feed stores in the US.

Read my article on treating bullying victims. Yes, my approach is to treat the victim, not the bully. The article explains the reasoning behind this. It may require up to three weeks, but usually one week will get the job done. You will know if her self confidence has been restored when she stands up for herself instead of allowing herself to be bullied and pecked.

Ok thanks!

 

[Chickenma2021]

UPDATE: I isolated Olive (The bald-butt chicken) But she was very stressed out. I made sure the flock outside of the coop had food and water and that she had food and water too. The chickens outside were trying to get in while she tried to get out. Everybody seemed stressed that the door was closed. Your article defiantly helped me but I don't have enough room for a chicken "jail" and the only option is completely closing up the coop. I do have a small pen that I can set up in my garage for the day time, but my garage has limited space and I would rather not have to set it up if needed. If you have any tips or additional ideas that I can use I would appreciate that.