Ugly Bald Hens

[MsBagawkbagawk]

I have two hens a BO and a Light Brahma. The BO went bald last fall and I couldn't figure out why. This summer the same thing started happening to my Light Brahma hen (who is also almost blind). The BO grew into it and doesn't look quite as ugly anymore but the Brahma looks awful. What could have caused this and will their feathers ever come back.

The BO:


The Brahma:

 

[chickenlover237]

old lady baldness! really i don't know but thats what it looks like!

 

[Suzie]

Something to consider.... do they by any chance have scaly leg mites? I have had an infestation of my chickens with scaly leg mites and my chickens have also had loss of feathers on their faces and necks....apparently the infestation can affect their combs and wattles - I am treating ALL of my 48 chickens - I am exhausted but my chickens need my help.... I don't know if the infestation came through wild birds or through another source - vaseline is expensive here in France but my flock are worth it to me - I will continue their treatment until they are all back to full health.

Suzie

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

I don't think they have scaly leg mites. The Brahmas legs are a little rough but that just seems to be a problem with feathered feet. The BOs look fine.

I feel really bad because all of a sudden (well really over about 6 months) the LB went from gorgeous to ugly. I still love her no matter what happens. She's also started to go blind, and I really don't know how to deal with her then.

I'm so sorry about your flock, it is always hard to try and treat so many, but as any chicken lover knows, you have to. I hope they are able to get better.

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

YAY! Brahma is growing back her head feathers nicely now. Not the BO. Still open for suggestions!

 

[luvinmychickens]

How old are the hens??

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

Both are two and were raised together.

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

I just realized last night that the Brahma was not in her normal sleeping spot. I've been gone for a few days and no one noticed. I guess the bigger but younger chicks were beating up on her, I'm keeping separate for now.

 

[jaj121159]

Any roosters?

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

Yeah, unfortunately. I have two 2 year-olds, 2-5 month-olds, and 2 1 month-olds (not my fault, broody hens and mixed up chick orders). I figured out that one of the 1 month olds was beating up the LB (got that under control) but the roosters don't pay much attention to the BO (pecked one right on the comb and shook him when he tried to mess with her). The ducks chase her a bit (their favorite hobby) but never grab her head.