Question!!

[lizchickens1]

Hi! We just noticed 2 out of 4 of our hens are bleeding on top of there head..my mom noticed it in the feeder. Could this have anything to do with the cold? I live in South Dakota and it's getting to about 30 degrees and lower at night. And we had our first snow today. But we haven't gotten around to a heat lamp yet. Could they be bleeding due to the cold? They have a house but not completely sealed. Hens around 8 months now

 

[drumstick diva]

Chickens tolerate cold much better than heat. Could you put up a photo - it would help determine WHY they are bleeding. Is it possible they are scraping their head when using the feeder? Are your other chickens pecking the ones that have the blood? Are they of a breed with big combs?

 

[drumstick diva]

At 8 mos. they shouldn't need a heat lamp

 

[BlueJuniper]

Hi and

it's great to have you!!!

I don't know about your's, but the more dominant of my chickens sometimes peck the lower ranking ones on the top of the head. I think it's a sign of dominance, and it tells the others who's boss.

Hope this helps, and I hope you love BYC!

-BlueJuniper

 

[CuzChickens]

Hello there, and welcome to Backyard chickens! I would guess it is just the other chickens pecking at it as a display of dominance. I hope you enjoy it here as much as I have!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - you have some great advice and links already so I'll just say hello!

All the best
CT

 

[BlueBaby]

Hello, and welcome to BYC!

 

[QueenMisha]

Welcome to BYC! It's great to have you.

You've had some good advice above.

 

[lizchickens1]

Chickens tolerate  cold much better than heat.  Could you put up a photo - it would help determine WHY they are bleeding.  Is it possible they are scraping their head when using the feeder?  Are your other chickens pecking the ones that have the blood?   Are they of a breed with big combs?