Single hen

[Ros]

Hi

 

I have a year old Bluebelle, she is the heaviest of my hens, quite meaty compared to the others. I have just noticed that along her breast bone, down to her sternum and belly she has a bald strip and has red areas, but no broken skin and is warmer to the touch than I would expect. All the other hens are fine. She seems to have a healthy appetite (as always!), and is clear eyed and alert. Although no obvious signs of lice I have treated them all with diatom, they always have access to a dust bath as well.

 

Could it just be because she is fat and her belly is resting heavily on her roosting bars and she is getting over-heated and raw? Should I put her on a bit of a diet, should I put vaseline on her tummy, should I put something on her bars to rest her tummy on? Help

 

Thank you

[Egluntyne]

Not uncommon. I wouldn't apply vaseline, it will attract all sort of dirt.

 

Is she having too many treats, which could make her overweight, and might also prevent her eating the more nutritious pellets? Might be worth limiting them for a while.