Red and Inflamed Skin - Molting Issue?

HuertaFarm

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Hi there, this is our first year with chickens and they are in the middle/end phases of molting right now. I noticed our rooster has very inflamed and red patches of skin in certain areas. In the photos you can see an extremely red patch on his neck. The other photos show a second red patch with what looks almost like a cyst under his skin by his lower back. We have a second rooster and several hens that are all molting fine with no red patches or skin conditions that I can see. This rooster did have lice about four or five weeks ago and all our chickens have been treated twice with no more evidence of lice since then so I don't believe it is related. No sign of creepy crawlies or any other insects on any of the chickens. They have a fresh and clean coop and there have been no coop intruders or fights going on between the roosters. He doesn't seem to be having any other problems or signs of disease. Any ideas what this might be or how I can help him out?

I have been giving the chickens boiled eggs, apples, oatmeal, 'feather fixer' pellets and other treats to help them through molting season and to recover from the lice.
 

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Skin does get more red during the molt. I would assume it's either increased circulation to help grow feathers, or increased irritation. I can't imagine how it feels to have those feathers growing out of the skin.
 
Skin does get more red during the molt. I would assume it's either increased circulation to help grow feathers, or increased irritation. I can't imagine how it feels to have those feathers growing out of the skin.
That's true, hopefully that is the only problem. I've always wondered if chickens ever get ingrown feathers somewhat similar to how people get ingrown hairs.
 

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