Swollen Red Back

[chickenmamatp]

My 1 year old chicken began losing her feathers in December, almost 5 months ago now. At first we thought she was just molting, but the area of featherless skin on her back has not regrown feathers at all. It is also very swollen and red - although not bloody. I see no evidence of bullying among the flock, so I don't think that's what is the problem, but I have not idea what else it might be. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice for me?

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. A picture may help. If the area is on the lower back, and is symmetrical, it probably is from over mating by a rooster. If there is no rooster, then it is probably feather picking by other hens. Feather loss like that likely won't improve until the next full molt. Try putting some Nustock Cream on the bare skin, and you can also make or buy a hen apron or saddle to cover the bare spot. Make sure your chickens are getting 16-20% protein in their feed, are not over crowded, and can get out to roam every day to decrease boredom.

 

[WalnutHill]

Mites or lice can also be to blame. Does she have a trimmed beak (hard to properly groom herself) and does she have a nice patch of dry dirt to bury herself in?

 

[chickenmamatp]

Thank you for the info. I do have a rooster along with 7 hens. None of the other chickens have symptoms like this. She's obviously uncomfortable so she won't let me check for mites. But none of my other ladies show evidence of them.

 

[Eggcessive]

Some hens are more receptive to the rooster, so she may be his favorite. I have made hen saddles out of polar fleece that are 1 piece with 2 slits for the wings to fit through. Here are many pictures of them--click on a picture, and you can find where it is posted: https://www.google.com/search?q=pol...v&sa=X&ei=W-4_VZnrN_KxsASA4IDgCw&ved=0CCsQsAQ