what is going on with my chickens? Bald spots? (pics)

[chimpygoggina]

2 of my 5 chickens had bald spots on their undersides. Various advice given, however found cider apple vinegar in their water worked quite well, but later discovered it was because they were sleeping in their nest boxes! All it took was cardboard over the nest boxes as night, so they had to roost on perches, within weeks the problem was over. stands to reason really I suppose. Was also told hens need to perch to aid their digestion process.

 

[dani99]

HELP!!!
Hi ,
I am having the same problem with my hens big raw red bald patches around neck and especially there bottom. They are also not all laying I am only getting a possible 12 out of 16 eggs Any advice on how to treat them? Or what the problem is ? I am getting extremEly worried if they could die

 

[Trents chicks]

we have the same problem. but as far as proteins go, they like peanuts, meal worms, and pork fat. all of those I picked up from this site

 

[kellymc]

2 of my  5 chickens had bald spots on their undersides. Various advice given, however found cider apple vinegar in their water worked quite well, but later discovered it was because they were sleeping in their nest boxes!  All it took was cardboard over the nest boxes as night, so they had to roost on perches, within weeks the problem was over. stands to reason really I suppose.  Was also told hens need to perch to aid their digestion process.

Sounds like your hens were broody! They pluck their own breast feathers and want to sit 24/7 when they go broody.

 

[medic lynny]

I can agree plucking but what can you use to cover neck baldness in winter months they will freeze..any ideaa?

 

[SoCal Chick]

I have the same problem. Two Barred Rocks are missing feathers on neck and bottom. They are looking very scraggly and one is now listless. I also have two Rhode Island reds that are missing feathers around their tails. Its dark here and will post photos tomorrow. However, I have check several times for mites (day and night), spread DE all over their shed, I have been feeding them high protein pellets with their layer mash (18%) along with mealworms in their scratch. I have tried everything and there is still no improvement, it only worsens. One note, I am now finding feathers in their house which wasn't happening before. I believe they were eating the feathers.

Should I change the hay in the coop to pine shavings, sand, etc.? I'm worried about winter coming up in a couple of months, but read that feathers could grow back after molting. Is this true?

I just feel so bad for them. I don't think there is a bully, since they all have bald spots. Plus, I do not have a rooster. Only 4 hens in a 10'x15' coop and outside area.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Any missing feathers usually won't be replaced until a molt, if it's feather plucking hopefully the changes you have done have stopped it, have you noticed the behavior recently while observing them, otherwise just time until your hens regrow those feathers.

 

[SoCal Chick]

I have not observed any pecking or feather eating. As for broodiness, they don't stay in the nest boxes until they lay an egg and then go about roaming. I've attached photos so you can see what I am dealing with regarding the bald spots. The two Barred Rocks have it the worst. Also, 1 BR has no bald spots, but was obtained from a different breeder. Could this have something to do with this? All 4 chickens with bald spots came from the same breeder. I'm thinking genetics also may play a part in all of this. Thank you!!!!!

 

[SoCal Chick]

OK. I just witnessed one of the BR's plucking her own feathers under her wing, neck and chest. She did not eat the feathers, but let them fall to the ground. This is obviously feather plucking. What can I do? Is this related to boredom? I have checked for mites in the past and found none. Should I go ahead and spray her with Blukote? Help!!! Thank you very much for assisting.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

They are probably molting, no need to do anything.