Tail scabbed + feather loss

[September Lane]

Hey,
I'm new to chickens. I have five layers who are 9 months old and have been laying great. about 2 weeks ago, I noticed the tail of one drooping heavily. Upon inspection, the entire cone of her tail is like one big hard scab. Vent area seems fine. Other chickens don't pick on her. No sign of mites or abscess. Just a bald, hard scab. I've been soaking her tail area in warm water and applying antibiotic ointment (Bag Balm) to try to soften it and minimize infection risk. She stopped laying, but doesn't seem to be egg-bound or in discomfort. She is just slowing down, losing weight, and this scab/tail feather loss problem won't go away. It looks AWFUL. Cancer? Agh! Thoughts?

 

[Eggcessive]

What is your location? Do you have flies out right now? It could be the result of pecking and cannibalism, or possibly a tumor. Do you see anything moving that could be maggots in the wound? I think that I would start soaking in warm Epsom salts, or use some chlorhexidene (brand name Hibiclens in pharmacies) in the water. Plain Neosporin or Triple Antibiotic Ointment can be applied to help prevent infection. If you have flies, consider flystrike or maggot infestation as a problem. I would keep her inside a wire dog crate with her own food and water inside the coop if no flies, close to her flock.

 

[September Lane]

Thanks for the detailed response. No flies, no pecking, no maggots, no pus. Just a hard black scab. While I'm new to chickens, I grew up on a farm and have cared for every other type of livestock. Never seen something like this. It's like the entire outside of her tail is covered in this hard scab. I'll try the Hibiclens and Epsom salts and continue the antibiotic ointment and isolation.
T

 

[RosemaryDuck]

Its likely something pecked her or bit her there, and the other birds started picking at it. Once chickens see blood/a wound they will chase the injured one and pick it bloody again. It's probably why the scab is so hard and big. Make sure you flush it out good and clean any remaining pus and debris out.

 

[September Lane]

I've never seen her buddies picking at her, though it is certainly possible. Her body feathers completely cover the wounded area but perhaps the other chickens know the wound is there and keep pecking even though they cannot see it. ?? The wound does look like cannibalism, I must admit. I will keep her isolated for a while and see if it begins to heal. Thanks for your reply.

 

[Eggcessive]

If it is possible to isolate her in a wire dog crate, but still with the other chickens it may help to get her back in the pecking order when she is healed. She may eat better and be more happy with her flock.

 

[September Lane]

Good idea. I will move the crate into their run. Thanks!