Red bum ?

[Gingerbooboo]

One of my chickens bottom is red and featherless, no one is pecking that area i think shes not getting enough protein and they keep spilling the feed im giving them so I guess Im asking what foods are best for chickens to give them more protein ?

 

[Quailsong]

How do you know no one is pecking them? Unless you're there 24/7 it could be you've got someone who is being aggressive, deficient in protein, or it could be that very bird is eating their own feathers.

I'd add protein & calcium (free choice) to the diet. I'd also spray some blu-kote on the bird's bum for now. An alternative is pine tar on the bum, if another chicken pecks it, they won't like the taste!

Protein ideas: Fresh bugs (free range, mealworms, BSF), boiled eggs, cooked ground beef.

 

[Gingerbooboo]

Ok thank you !! Im pretty sure no one is pecking at her because I don't see feathers everywhere and I watch them and have never seen aggressive behavior in them

 

[Quailsong]

Missing feathers would mean they're being eaten. It's possible one or more are eating them so fast you're not seeing it - perhaps when they're tucking in for the night or before you let them out in the morning.

Also, is your coop free of mice/rats? As in, have you seen droppings in the coop, near the feeder or roost? I've heard of mice eating feathers before. Not enough to make a whole bum red in one night, but just something else to consider.

Btw, I believe blue kote won't rub off easily when it dries but pine tar will rub off & may show you who the feather eater/pecker is.

 

[Gingerbooboo]

Oh my, well thank you very much !!