Red and raw bottom and underbelly; not grown back for months now.

[gardeneaters]

We have a Black Australorp (Black Betty) who has had a raw hide, underbelly, and some of her top side raw and pink or even red for months now. At first we thought mites so we immediately began using the powder called: Thomas Laboratories Diatomaceous Earth. That didn't do anything. Then we thought maybe it was just molting since it was the beginning of summer, but now as we shift into Fall it's just not getting any better. Then I thought she might be allergic to the nest bedding (shredded bills and paper) so I switched to shavings but it didn't make any difference.

She 'seems' fine - always been extremely broody and ruler of the roost so we're used to her moods. She's also eating and laying just fine. Do we just let it go? The other chicks don't seem affected, just her. Is it just an extremely bad molt?

 

[countrygoddess]

I wonder if it's fungal? What's your chicken housing like as far as bedding and air circulation?

 

[snowflake]

you might try bathing her in epsom salts then putting Povidone Iodine on the bare skin, I read some were that this works very well for vent gleet and bald bottoms, vent gleet is a yeast infection of sorts so i this is a fungus this may work, won't hurt

 

[gardeneaters]

We have a mobile coop that we move every few weeks in the summer (stationary in the winter). We put horse bedding (shreds) up top and then down below they can roam free and it is open air. We keep the door to the upstairs portion open until they go to roost. Any other suggestions for coop bedding?

 

[gardeneaters]

Thanks! Will give the epsom salt and iodine a try and let you know how it goes.

 

[kevinmansouri]

Mine are doing the same thing exactly except all of my chickens have it. It started in the spring and i thought molting too, now its so bad one of their necks is completely bare. They seem to act fine though. I dont think it is pecking based on where the raw parts are. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,

Kevin

 

[countrygoddess]

We have a mobile coop that we move every few weeks in the summer (stationary in the winter). We put horse bedding (shreds) up top and then down below they can roam free and it is open air. We keep the door to the upstairs portion open until they go to roost. Any other suggestions for coop bedding?

Sounds like they have a great environment. I'd give the epsom salts a try for sure.

 

[Bccblue88]

I have a barred rock who has been bare and red all summer. She lost her neck feathers too. We treated our flock for mites and lice two months ago and everything seemed better, but she has gotten worse. Did the Epsom salts work for you guys?

 

[nonsuch]

I have exactly the same thing with my Marans...bald areas bright red skin, etc I've dewormed them twice and treated them several times with sevin dust for mites and lice (also sprayed their coop and dusted with DE). It all started in March and has gotten worse. I bought a product for feather picking , but haven't had a chance to use it yet (black salve). Are there any experienced Chicken Breeders that have had a problem with fungal infections? I also just bought "Blue Coat" which is support to treat fungal infections .

 

[nonsuch]

Has anyone ever used gold bond medicated powder on Chickens? There is also medicated foot powder which cures fungal infections. It would be easy to dust onto the raw areas.