Summer scratching

[unbaked pegga]

I have had chickens for two years now. Last summer they were scratching their faces quite a bit. This summer they are doing the same thing and bruising their eyes ,their waddles and sometimes their combs as well. . They look like they have black eyes. It is not good for their skin I am sure, I cannot see any broken areas but that will happen. Is there any ointment or anything I could do to stop there bruising themselves

 

[donrae]

I'd be looking for the reason behind the scratching. External parasites such as mites come to mind. Have you checked them over carefully?

 

[aart]

I'd be looking for the reason behind the scratching. External parasites such as mites come to mind. Have you checked them over carefully?

Ditto Dat!

Check them over real well for mites and/or lice?
Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.
Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).
Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.
Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

 

[unbaked pegga]

Well I swear, I had another poster tell me it was gnats and no see ums because it only happens in the summertime

 

[aart]

Well I swear, I had another poster tell me it was gnats and no see ums because it only happens in the summertime

That is also a possibility....but it's always good to check for external parasites living on the birds to be sure.