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RIR Missing feathers on top

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by Royal Red, Jan 21, 2014.

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  1. Jan 21, 2014 #1
    Royal Red

    Royal Red Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Wondering if some of you more seasoned Chicken Marshals can tell me what to do about my RIR that started in November with a small patch of missing feathers on the top of her head to now she has a white streak with no red feathers. Her Comb has been picked away in spots. I am assuming one of my other hens are nibbling at her. No blood or skin showing yet. Help going bald. Thanks.
     
  3. Jan 21, 2014 #2
    Fred's Hens

    Fred's Hens Chicken Obsessed Premium Member

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    Up North when it's hot, Down South when it's not.
    Pecking and cannibalism is usually caused by boredom, over crowding, and lack of animal protein in the feed. Once it starts, it can become habitual. Is this bird also at the bottom of the pecking order? It isn't called that for nothing.
     
  5. Jan 21, 2014 #3
    BantamFan4Life

    BantamFan4Life Out of the Woods Premium Member

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    Welcome to BYC!
     
  7. Jan 21, 2014 #4
    JDchicks

    JDchicks Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Welcome to BYC.

    Not sure. Do you have any rooster in the pen with her. I had a frizzle that lost a lot of her head feather, cause the rooster would hold on to those during breeding.

    Could you post a pic? That may help.
     
  9. Jan 21, 2014 #5
    drumstick diva

    drumstick diva Still crazy after all these years. Premium Member

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    I agree with JDchicks, sounds like the work of a rooster....
     
  11. Jan 22, 2014 #6
    TwoCrows

    TwoCrows Show me the way old friend... Staff Member

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    You might post a picture of her for better diagnosis. However I agree with others here, it sounds like either aggression or the work of a rooster. You might separate the rooster out for a while to give her a chance to heal up and also expand on their living space so the hens are not so crowded in. Birds get frustrated when they don't have enough room and pic on each other. Once they see bare skin, they go after it. You might spray on some Blu-kote which will hide the area of bare skin and also help prevent infection. You can also purchase a hen saddle on line to protect the hens from the roosters.

    Great to have you aboard and enjoy BYC!
     
  13. Jan 22, 2014 #7
    Kelsie2290

    Kelsie2290 True BYC Addict Premium Member

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    Hello :frow and Welcome To BYC! Good luck with your hen, you've gotten good advice above.
     
  15. Jan 22, 2014 #8
    BantamLover21

    BantamLover21 Overrun With Chickens

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  17. Jan 22, 2014 #9
    roostersandhens

    roostersandhens Flap Your Wings!

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  19. Jan 22, 2014 #10
    sourland

    sourland Broody Magician Premium Member

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    Welcome to BYC - good suggestions offered above.
     
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