Polish hen scratching herself to death- need help ASAP!

[Lauras010]

I am hoping that @Weeg s tagging some of this forums top experts (and also including those who have already replied here) will help you soon get to the bottom of your pullets issue. As others have said, i also appreciate your dedication to solving her problem. Her relentless scratching to the point of drawing blood does remind me of dogs that do the same. Some common causes for pruritis (medical term for excessive itching) in dogs are flea allergies, food allergies, and contact allergies (grass, pollen,etc). I do know that ivermectin will kill some mites (such as depluming mites) that other products have no effect on. So i vote definitely take Eggcessives advice on ivermectin. U should be getting more good advice and input very soon.

Thank you so much! I appreciate all the help. She gets to visit with 3 of our birds through her coop on the regular, and is not amused. As soon they come close, she goes upstairs into her house and looks at them via the window lol She seems to prefer the companionship of humans and cats so far lol (Supervised with my old cat, of course.)

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

Caged parrots are known to sometimes pluck their feathers due to boredom, isolation, not enough sunlight, etc etc. Scratching isnt the same as plucking, but the self-harm IS the same. If u have ruled out all medical possibilities, I think it may be good idea to get your polish house hen a feathered friend near her own age and size to keep her company. A companion May help her break the self-multilation habit, if that is her issue. Ive had parrots in the past but never personally dealt with a parrot that destructively plucked itself. It can be a fairly difficult habit to break, but there is a lot of info available re the issue. Xo research and decide if u think her scratching issue could be behavioral rather than medical. If u think behavioral, u will find lots of advice to help her break the habit.

 

[Lauras010]

Graphic warning

Update with photos to see how she is wounding herself...

 

[feather13]

Aw... she's such a beautiful bird! None of our chickens have ever had this issue, so I can't be much help. As per some of the advice here, I would keep trying to integrate her with the others or get a few new Polish chicks to hang out with.

She may be scared of her larger flock mates and they might occasionally peck at her, but chickens are such social animals. If you rule out parasites, etc. like you have (I'm so impressed by your care for this bird!), then it seems you could slowly try to integrate her. We currently have Phoenixes, Crevecoeurs and Fayoumis mixed in with some pretty rowdy standard breeds and there's been no problem.

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

I have safeguard but I’ll pick up some ivermectin this weekend from Tractor Supply. She’s never laid an egg but she’s still <1 year old and <2 lbs. We’ve got medicated cream for her scabs but do you think Vaseline would be better? She eats scratch grain, protein pellets, scrambled eggs, apple sauce, organic yogurt, tuna (no soy), and meal worms.

I'm not sure about vaseline, but you can use non-pain relieving neosporin. That works well in my experience.

 

[aart]

Could be neurological issues due to undetected ear infection?

 

[Lauras010]

The vet gave our dog Benadryl for itching but I am not sure if it is safe for chickens. It did wonders for the dog. I hope someone has a solution here, you have worked hard to help her. She is a lucky girl

Benadryl isn’t safe for birds unfortunately.

 

[MissE]

Does she have access to a dust bath?

 

[Lauras010]

Poor baby this may sound wierd but would those silicone caps for cats claws work to cover her nails ? might prevent more damage until the underlying issues is figured out . I wish you the best of luck with her.

We’ve been wrapping her feet spread apart in gauze so it looks like she has webbed duck feet, and that helps. She was doing good for a while without the wraps then boom back at square one again. I’m afraid she’d try to eat the silicone caps lol She’s super curious, and since she’s been so hand fed and spoiled, she’s constantly looking in our hands for treats lol

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

I am hoping that @Weeg s tagging some of this forums top experts (and also including those who have already replied here) will help you soon get to the bottom of your pullets issue. As others have said, i also appreciate your dedication to solving her problem. Her relentless scratching to the point of drawing blood does remind me of dogs that do the same. Some common causes for pruritis (medical term for excessive itching) in dogs are flea allergies, food allergies, and contact allergies (grass, pollen,etc). I do know that ivermectin will kill some mites (such as depluming mites) that other products have no effect on. So i vote definitely take Eggcessives advice on ivermectin. U should be getting more good advice and input very soon.