Red rash on chest and missing feathers

[pvsa]

This is a recent development on my BSL hen. She's the only one I have her age. There are 2 others that are only a few months old. They sleep in the same coop but are separated. She didn't seem too thrilled with the new additions at first but is nowhere near as hostile towards the chicks now.

Any thoughts or need more info? Sorry the image is blurry.



- Paul

 

[Eggcessive]

There could be mites causing this or feather-picking by one of the others. Chickens can also peck themselves if something is bothering them, such as mites, lice, or a crop problem. Check her all over for evidence of mites, lice or eggs, and one mite only comes on the birds to feed after dark, so check with a flashlight to be sure. For feather picking, apply some anti-pick lotion, a bad tasting ointment such as Bag Balm or Nustock, and make sure they have enough room and give them a little more protein in their diet. Here is some reading about mites and lice: http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/08/poultry-lice-and-mites-identification.html