*pics* Something causing sore, white caked stuff at base of tail feathers, not lice

[MA Mama]

This is a new Huastec roo I got yesterday from a very reputable and conscientious breeder. I got 4 birds from him, all from the same pen, and none of the rest have this issue. His birds looked VERY healthy. The tail feathers are not coming in (I chalked it up to being a teenager), but I noticed the other birds kind of pecking at his bum. Upon closer look, the base of the feathers are clearly diseased, most have white scabby/caked areas, and some have a bloody booger thing when even slightly tugged on. I don't see any mites, definitely no lice. He covers me with white-grey dander-like stuff when I hold him.What could this be? I am going to treat him with Ivermectin Pour On right now, but what else should I do? He is also acting VERY docile and quiet, even hiding his head in corners, but he is also new to the flock so intimidated.

I am sorry the pics aren't better, I am alone taking these pics! This is NOT the poop area, it is higher - the base of the tail.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Have you checked out vent gleet?
http://ultimatefowl.atwiki.com/page/Vent Gleet

 

[MA Mama]

I'm glad you mentioned that, because it is something I had never heard of, so now I know! Thanks for that! However, I looked it up, and it is not that. It is very certainly a feather/skin issue. The feathers appear to be eaten from the inside, as though the white scaley part around the base of the feather is the only thing left. It is hollow, and hollow all the way into the surface of the skin. Because it does appear that the feather has been eaten by something, I treated for mites. I am not convinced that is the 100% picture, though.

 

[MA Mama]

He is acting better today. I think it was a simple case of the mites, but with being on the bottom of the pecking order making the area look worse. He is SO awesome and I am happy it was such a minor issue!