pattacat Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 One of our chickens as lost (overnight it seems although we may just not have noticed) all her fluffy back end feathers. We have not seen any about so I assume they've eaten them. She seems OK in herself and is eating and laying OK but she is totally bald round her back end. She is also looking sore with some open scratches and the other 2 do seem to be pecking at her. This is new to her as she is boss hen. She and one of the others also have a slight scabby bit on their heads - again only noticed today. We have separated her into a cat carrier lined with newspaper but would really appreciate advice on what may be wrong and how to treat her. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 have you checked to see if she's got lice of any kind? Have a close look at the base of her feathers for clumps. You could spray the sore bits with gentian violet (available at chemists and pet shops) which should help heal the sore bits and stop the others pecking her. have a look at this http://www.chicken-house.co.uk/louseinfo.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happybunny Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 It might be that one of the other hens is pulling them out. We have a hen who looks dreadful (and has a bald bum) because the the other hen (who looks gorgeous!) keeps pulling them out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pattacat Posted September 2, 2008 Author Share Posted September 2, 2008 Unfortunately, during the day things have got alot worse. She is now raw and bleeing. We have sprayed her purple and she is in on her own for the night and we'll have to see how she is in the morning. We've checked for lice but cannot see anything. Poor girl has always seemed the more robust of the 3 but looks terrible tonight. Unless we see an improvement we may have to take a tough decision... She is still eating though so not sure how much distress she is in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abbey Road Girl Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 I had earlier suggested that the gentian violet spray could be obtained from chemists, but when (due to my concern about a feather pecking hen of my own), I tried to buy some last weekend at Boots, I was told that they are no longer allowed to sell it. Take that as you will, the next day when I tried to buy three boxes of what is tantamount to baby aspirin, I was only allowed to buy two boxes. I would like to know why we can't protect vulnerable hens in a more old-fashioned way! What's the scientific explanation? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 Try an equestrian supplier. They might have it as Purple Spray. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abbey Road Girl Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 Thanks once again, Egluntine. What are you going to do to celebrate when you've hit 22,000? Should happen any moment (maybe even has happened already)! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pattacat Posted September 8, 2008 Author Share Posted September 8, 2008 Thanks for all your advice but sadly Ginny is on her way to the egku in the sky as we speak (via the vet). She appears to have prolapsed this morning and the others have one for her big time. I'm dreading telling my 9 yr old daughter when she comes home today - her girl... I'm not enjoying keeping chickens right now and not sure I want to carry on... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted September 8, 2008 Share Posted September 8, 2008 oh, so sorry to hear that. It sounds tbh as if she was perhaps not feeling 100% anyway and maybe that's why the others were picking on her. Chickens are very good at concealing this. Please don't be put off - this sort of thing is fairly rare, it does sound as if you may have a bit of a pecking problem anyway but I'm sure that can be solved with spray or bumper bits. Sorry you've had such a bad experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 8, 2008 Share Posted September 8, 2008 Very sorry to hear it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beach chick Posted September 8, 2008 Share Posted September 8, 2008 very sad, but dont let it put you off. you've just been unlucky I think. hope your daughter takes it ok - we lost 2 in the space of a week earlier this year, but I have to say my girls were quite calm, and said "well it's sad but they had nice lives". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jools+6 Posted September 8, 2008 Share Posted September 8, 2008 I had earlier suggested that the gentian violet spray could be obtained from chemists, but when (due to my concern about a feather pecking hen of my own), I tried to buy some last weekend at Boots, I was told that they are no longer allowed to sell it. Take that as you will, the next day when I tried to buy three boxes of what is tantamount to baby aspirin, I was only allowed to buy two boxes. I would like to know why we can't protect vulnerable hens in a more old-fashioned way! What's the scientific explanation? boots are a riot . they refused to sell my auntie a box of 32 paracetomol because they " weren't allowed by law " after much haggling she asked for a box of 16 instead and was promptly told they were buy one get one free !!!! does that make sense to you ??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jools+6 Posted September 8, 2008 Share Posted September 8, 2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pattacat Posted September 8, 2008 Author Share Posted September 8, 2008 The problem continues... Harry is now attacking Hermione who was the one attacking Ginny. The feathers are being eaten so could that be an indicator that they are short of something? We've had the chickens since June and this has only started in the last week! I've sprayed them both with Anti-pek which didn't work for Ginny as I think we spotted it a bit late but I'm hoping will have an effect before either of them are plucked bald this time. We're at our wits end... I don't ever want to see another sight like poor Ginny this morning. P.S. These 2 are not laying anymore either. Ginny was the only consistent one - she laid her last egg this am. Could ths be connected? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 8, 2008 Share Posted September 8, 2008 Why not try them all with bumper bits ? It might just break the habit. Do they get plenty of opportunities to free range? According to some research feather picking is a replacement for foraging and so if they get to play out more, have the opportunity to dust bathe and a bit more animal protein in their diet, it might just help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 8, 2008 Share Posted September 8, 2008 You poor thing, what trial. I'd put bumper bits on the lot of them, spray any attackers in the face with water (they hate this) and spray sore botties with a water spray with some tea tree oil and lavender oil in it (will soothe any sore skin). Naughty chookies! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted September 8, 2008 Share Posted September 8, 2008 I also was told cod liver oil would stop them. (it hasn't yet, but does 'em good too.) bumper bits prob the way to go.. I separated mine, bald bum only free ranges with 2 thugs, not in run or bed at moment, but can sleep during darkness ok with them, they are mean evil wicked witches with her in the run! gonna get her feathered up right 1st then bumper bits on meanie2 when got 4 fit chooks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
