Possible Mite Problem?

[Matheis66]

I have 5 chickens and just one has lost her feathers on her underside. I don't notice any excessive scratching or pecking at themselves. And when looking them over can't see any bugs. We sprayed each with Rooster Booster poultry skin healing spray. I clean the coop once a week and I had been adding lime and sweet pdz to the run. I know I forgot the lime a couple times. Have added it again.

Her underside doesn't look irritated, it's just bare. I'd think if it were mites they'd all be losing feathers or itching. All my girls are 1 year old almost. All laying eggs daily and seem healthy otherwise.

We do have one mean red chicken...Reba lol. She comes after you when trying to collect the eggs. Will peck you hard and scream.

 

[DobieLover]

Where did you notice the hen with the bare patch? In a nest box? Is she behaving normally?
Can you post a picture?

 

[Yardmom]

Is this hen sitting in a nest box all day and night?

 

[Matheis66]

Is this hen sitting in a nest box all day and night?

No she's out with the others usually. We have two nesting boxes and most use only one. I really haven't paid attention to see if she's in there more than the others. I'll have to watch tomorrow while off work.

 

[Matheis66]

Where did you notice the hen with the bare patch? In a nest box? It's she behaving normally?
Can you post a picture?

I have to have her picked up to get a picture. I noticed it when I let them out into the yard. The rest of the chicks have fluffy butt's and then I noticed hers was bare. She's acting normal though.

 

[aart]

It's not that odd to have a bird with bare skin, especially on butts or bellies, there are various reasons other than possible mite/lice infestation.

We sprayed each with Rooster Booster poultry skin healing spray. I clean the coop once a week and I had been adding lime and sweet pdz to the run.

None of these will prevent 'bugs'.

And when looking them over can't see any bugs.

Have you checked them over like this for mites and/or lice?

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Look fast, they will scatter quickly once the feathers are parted and the light hits them.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).

Good post about mite ID by Lady McCamley:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-chicken-has-mites-now-what.1273674/page-2#post-20483008