Red Dry Stomach On Old Hen + Bloat

[Self sufficient chickens]

Hello, I have a hen (2 years old, Black Sex Link), she has a very red stomach. It appears to be dry and wrinkled. It has been going on for 2-3 months. We have way too many roosters, but I don't believe that this could cause problems for her stomach. She free ranges during the daytime, and at night she is in a coop with straw everywhere (could this be a cause?). She is also very light (I would say 2 pounds). She is not broody, and never has been.



Any ideas?

 

[Ab1010]

Could she be stressed and picking at herself? Is she getting enough food?

 

[Self sufficient chickens]

She is really light, but she always has been. She acts normal but does not look normal.

 

[Ab1010]

My question was ment to figure out if the others are letting her eat enough. If she is being bullied or at the bottom of the group they might not let her eat enough causing vitamin deffenciancy.

 

[Self sufficient chickens]

My question was ment to figure out if the others are letting her eat enough. If she is being bullied or at the bottom of the group they might not let her eat enough causing vitamin deffenciancy.

Thanks @Ab1010.


Don't know if this is related, but last night we found an odd spot on her neck.

 

[LaFleche]

Looks like an ingrown feather to me. She seems to be molting.

 

[Self sufficient chickens]

Thanks @LaFleche

That is what I was thinking when I saw this. I was not sure if it could happen to chickens. Do you know of any need to treat it? Or will it go away by itself?

 

[LaFleche]

Thanks @LaFleche

That is what I was thinking when I saw this. I was not sure if it could happen to chickens. Do you know of any need to treat it? Or will it go away by itself?

If you wanted to, you could carefully open it and get the feather out. Be sure to sanitize your tools and the skin before getting started.

 

[Chicalina]

I think the chest baldness is because she is thin and her keel is exposed. She may be sleeping on it and the pressure makes it dry, sore and feathers don't grow on it. Does she roost at night?

I'd give her extra daily treats just for her (wet booster mash of high calorie stuff like oats, banana, honey, peanut butter, olive oil and vitamins) to get her weight up. Chickens also love things like peanut butter sandwiches soaked in milk. Weigh her, and if you can do this every day for a couple of weeks to supplement her normal food, you should see an increase in her body fat and muscle so that her keel isn't so sharp and prominent.

 

[Self sufficient chickens]

Does she roost at night?

Yes. Thanks for the food suggestions @Chicalina I will isolate her and give her extra food.