Silkie Missing Feathers, Large Open Sore

[donddon]

Fluffy has a large, round sore on her lower back. The wound appears to be dry-ish. Not noticeable when she's walking around the run, I saw this while she was sitting on the nest. Feathers are missing in the surrounding area. Fluffy is a 12 month old, otherwise healthy silkie. Her behavior appears unchanged, a happy little ruler of the roost. She's laying 4 or 5 eggs a week. Chickens are fed organic layer crumble, water fresh daily, locked up at night, wood shavings litter, timothy in nesting boxes, outdoor run 18 x 10 x 6h for 6 birds.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Can you share a picture? Sounds like pecking. What other birds is she housed with? How much space do they have?

 

[donddon]

I'm sorry for the time lapse. As you can imagine, things are a little hectic. Fluffy's wound was definitely a result of Big Red's amorous advances. I've since fitted her with a chicken vest, and she's healed nicely.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thanks for the update. I'm glad your little chicken is getting better.