Ragged looking chicken

[cmillerrun89]

Last month I noticed two of my BO hens had some bare bums. I took a closer look and the bums were completely pecked clear but no signs of mites/lice anywhere on them. All of the other feathers looked in tact so thought maybe some bullying at night (no bullying noted during the day) or maybe odd broody behavior. Today I noticed one of the other hens (always the runt) looks a bit ROUGH. Scrappy looking feathers all around her neck and her tail feathers were a bit ragged. I really cant see any parasites on them so not quite sure what's going on. They haven't had a molt yet as far as I've seen so not sure what's goin on here. May have to put a camera in the coop at night to check in on them. It's been frigid temps lately so I'm worried about their recovery. Recommended supplements? Is there something I'm missing? I'll try to get photos later today. Even though the days are shorter all seem to still be laying regularly.

 

[cmillerrun89]

This isn't my photo but this is what the other two basically look like, just a smaller area than demonstrated in this picture (PICTURE SHARED FROM: http://backyardchickenlady.blogspot.com/2014/10/molting-seasonim-collecting-more.html)

 

[06492Chicks]

I don't have any answers, but I have three hens with the same issue right now. I don't see evidence of mites or lice so haven't treated for that, but I've been putting Pick No More on their bare bums every other day or so. (Unfortunately, everyone seems to be taking turns picking the bare spots.) It's maddening. I'm trying to keep them busy, give them protein-rich treats, visit often, etc, but there's only so much I can do when it's winter in CT. Sorry I don't have any brilliant ideas, but just wanted to chime in with sympathy!

 

[cmillerrun89]

I don't have any answers, but I have three hens with the same issue right now. I don't see evidence of mites or lice so haven't treated for that, but I've been putting Pick No More on their bare bums every other day or so. (Unfortunately, everyone seems to be taking turns picking the bare spots.) It's maddening. I'm trying to keep them busy, give them protein-rich treats, visit often, etc, but there's only so much I can do when it's winter in CT. Sorry I don't have any brilliant ideas, but just wanted to chime in with sympathy!

thank you! It seems to be the result of picking on our end too. I opened up the old duck coop as a secondary roost for them and I'm going to winterize it a bit so they have some more room. I think it's the space plus boredom due to the weather/lack of daylight. Hopeful they can make it through with no injuries and stay healthy through the winter. There are no open wounds, maybe a scab or two and just bare bum! I've been putting electrolytes/vitamins in their water and trying to feed some higher protein stuff to promote the feathers to grow back. UGH!