What is this?long-term problem with Polish hen...

[Ebz5003]

This hen has repeatedly had days over the past months where she is bloody at her tail, has broken and missing feathers there, and I always see her pecking at it. I see a few other hens going after the bloody area too. Blukote only solves the pecking problem temporarily. I'll see her hiding in a nesting box occasionally. I have no idea what is even bleeding but I suspect around the feathers themselves. The vent area is big but doesnt seem to be a problem. Not sure that she is laying yet.I have her inside in a cage with a buddy once again. Washed the area off and put watered-down betadine and vetericyn on it. I'd appreciate some advice but please be kind as I'm relatively new to chicken-keeping. Thanks

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Looks like she's being feather picked. The vent area is a common place for this to occur. I would keep her separate until you figure out why it's happening, and who is doing it.

Feather picking most commonly is from boredom or a protein deficiency.

 

[Ebz5003]

Looks like she's being feather picked. The vent area is a common place for this to occur. I would keep her separate until you figure out why it's happening, and who is doing it.

Feather picking most commonly is from boredom or a protein deficiency.

I know of 2 hens who are doing this to her. Is protein deficiency common when feeding something like Kalmbach Flock Crumbles ( protein= 18%)?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I know of 2 hens who are doing this to her. Is protein deficiency common when feeding something like Kalmbach Flock Crumbles ( protein= 18%)?

It can be if they are getting extras. If your set up is smaller it also could be the issue. Polish in general are good targets because they can't always see and react.

 

[Eggcessive]

Vent pecking is a bad habit and can lead to cannibalism. Some causes are too little protein in the diet or feeding too many treats, too little room, boredom, and not getting outside to free range. Here is a good article about bullying:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/chicken-bully-chicken-victim-a-two-sided-issue.73923/