Skin problem - I'm a newbie!

[roostersprings]

Hi All,

As it says, I'm a newbie... although, not so new that I can't tell something isn't right! Was working on the run this morning and some of the pullets came out of the coop - and I noticed 2 that had this going on. Any advice?? They are about 8 weeks old now, and are the Ameraucana from Tractor supply (so... I don't know what breed the REALLY are...) we've been feeding them the chick food from tractor supply and now the one from Purina Start and Grow. We have some goats too - but they haven't been around the goats. The bird seems to be acting fine and is about the same size as all the others (not low weight or anything) I've only noticed this today... so I don't know how long it's been...but I'd assume not long. I don't always hold the birds, but check them a few time a day. As for poop - I' don't know who's is who's... but it all seems kinda normal to me... The bedding is pice shavings.

 

[happyhens1972]

Are you sure that's a skin problem and not feather pecking? Might be worth hanging around and observing for a while, see if these two are getting picked on at all. If it is, some anti-pecking spray might be in order and/or potential separation of the bully for a few days to 'bring her down a peg'.

If you're sure it's not feather pecking, then have they been treated for lice and mites? I'm sure someone from your side of the pond (I'm in UK) will chip in with the best products to use for this but that would be my second bet.

Regardless of the cause, you have some scabbing there and what looks like a raw/bloody spot on the end of the tail. Some blue spray would be a good idea as although it may not have been feather pecking that caused the problem, the other birds will soon START pecking if they see those 'interesting' scabs and the blood....they are VERY attracted to red and can very quickly cause serious damage xx

 

[Eggcessive]

How many 8 week olds do you have in how large a coop? Are they getting outside to roam around? It looks like they are feather picking your pullet. This may happen when they are bored, overcrowded, or lacking protein in their diet. Your feed should have enough protein, but do you give any extras that might dilute the 20% protein in their feed? I would buy some pine tar ointment from TSC or another feed store (in the horse supplies) to apply to the bare spots. It tastes bad, has healing properties, and will discourage pecking. Nustock cream is another that is opaque and has the same properties.

 

[Eggcessive]

 

[roostersprings]

Being new to this, yes, Im not sure if it's a skin problem... it could be pecking. The 6 Ameruacana that we got were a straight run... so, I don't know how many are males. Are males more aggressive? I've noticed the ameruacana's are less friendly than the other ones we have. I will get some anti-peking spray. And some blue spray ( I don't know what that is but hope the store will) and ask about mite and lice treatments... I need to start building my supply of needed items anyway. Thanks for chiming in so quickly!

 

[roostersprings]

There are 14 birds - the coop is a 4 feet wide, 8 feet long, and say... 5 feet tall. The run is the underneath of the coop (you know, it's raised) and then another 12 feet x about 10 feet. I've been building the run - the rain has slowed me down. As of right now, all that's left is to cover the top of the run. The rest is already covered with the wire cloth. Perhaps I should let them into the run, even though the top isn't quite done to help them not get to bored? Think it's OK without the top? I have the cover... just have to put it on. Also, they only get the feed. We gave them some pancakes once... that was a week ago.