Other hens pecking my hen around the vent

[Liz Birdlover]

Thanks! It sure sounds different than the other three that I have. New chicken owner here.

She sounds like my Barred Rock hen, I only have the one, yes their tone of voice is unique, higher pitch. My other type hens make their sounds but they are indeed different. It will get so that you'll know who is talking before you even turn to see.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Video of the squeaking is attached.

I have been hand feeding her the regular food. She won't eat it from the feeder or the floor of the cage. The only thing she will eat by herself is when I put a few of the meal worm treats down.

There doesn't seem to be any obstruction. She has had this voice since she was young.

Sounds normal to me too

 

[mcycle12]

Update: The hen has been in isolation for nearly a week. The pecked area that was bloody has mostly healed. I’ve been putting her out, in her crate, next to the other chickens in the run. She enjoys that quite a bit. Here’s my concern....she is pecking out more of her own feathers on her butt , near the vent. I’ve increased her protein by feeding 24% chick starter. Also, I’ve been giving her dried mealworms as a treat twice a day. What can I do to keep her from pecking her feathers out? If I put her back on the run like this, the others will be all over her again. She’s almost gotten used to me handling her several times a day to dust her and spray the inflamed area with Poultry Aid.

 

[Liz Birdlover]

Update: The hen has been in isolation for nearly a week. The pecked area that was bloody has mostly healed. I’ve been putting her out, in her crate, next to the other chickens in the run. She enjoys that quite a bit. Here’s my concern....she is pecking out more of her own feathers on her butt , near the vent. I’ve increased her protein by feeding 24% chick starter. Also, I’ve been giving her dried mealworms as a treat twice a day. What can I do to keep her from pecking her feathers out? If I put her back on the run like this, the others will be all over her again. She’s almost gotten used to me handling her several times a day to dust her and spray the inflamed area with Poultry Aid.

I wonder why she is fussing with her own bottom? Healing does cause itching...but not sure if that's it or something else is going on, like worms? I know this is an odd request, but can you get a photo of her butt, so we can see?

 

[aart]

She’s almost gotten used to me handling her several times a day to dust her

What are you 'dusting' with daily?

 

[Liz Birdlover]

What are you 'dusting' with daily?

It may be causing itchiness or burning an already sensitive area

 

[mcycle12]

What are you 'dusting' with daily?

I was told that due to her not being in the dirt and suspicion of parasites, to dust her with DE under the wings and behind the neck on a daily basis until she is able to get into the dirt again. Edit: via use of a plastic ketchup dispenser filled with DE....one "puff" at each location.

 

[mcycle12]

I know this is an odd request, but can you get a photo of her butt, so we can see?

Maybe a pic tomorrow...not able to right now.

 

[aart]

I was told that due to her not being in the dirt and suspicion of parasites, to dust her with DE under the wings and behind the neck on a daily basis until she is able to get into the dirt again. Edit: via use of a plastic ketchup dispenser filled with DE....one "puff" at each location.

Unless you've actually seen bugs, do not treat.
DE wouldn't kill them anyway and can case respiratory distress.

 

[Liz Birdlover]

I was told that due to her not being in the dirt and suspicion of parasites, to dust her with DE under the wings and behind the neck on a daily basis until she is able to get into the dirt again. Edit: via use of a plastic ketchup dispenser filled with DE....one "puff" at each location.

It's good that your hens get used to being handled. If you can sit her on your lap & she is relaxed, you can gently pet then ruffle or lift feathers a bit to see skin, and look for tiny mites. I don't know if your hens already had them or not, but if not, skipping dustbath a few days doesn't mean they'll automatically get them. I have 2 hens in a moody molt that had not gone out to dustbathe with everyone else for 3 days due to sensitive new feathers. I checked them out today, no mites, just lots of new feathers growing in. Some people love DE. I tried it inside the coop, bad idea, it's a very fine dust not good to breathe in. Just be careful applying to your birds, wear a mask, avoid their faces, keep bird calm, fine dust & flapping wings isn't good.

I hope you can figure out what's going on with her, she seems very sweet.