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[MandE]

We have had our 3 girls (Isa Browns) for about 18 months, and I think they were about 4 months old when we got them. None of them have moulted yet, but Doreen has suddenly lost some feathers on her chest, where she has a big bald patch, and her neck.

 

I would have assumed she was moulting, as otherwise she seems fine, but although most of her skin is grey she has a fairly large red patch in the middle of her chest, which is a bit flaky.

 

I wondered if maybe it was mites, or something similar? I have ordered some Diatomaceous Earth and am waiting for it to arrive to add to their food.

 

Does it sound like Doreen has a problem, or am I worrying unnecessarily? What colour should her skin be?

 

If it sounds like a problem, can anyone help with a diagnosis, and will Diatomaceous Earth help?

 

Thanks!

[Plum]

Hello, welcome.

Do you think she may be broody and plucked her chest?

[Angels4]

The color of a chickens skin depends on the breed, for example, an Orpington has white skin, and a Wyandotte has yellow skin.

[Falkor]

a silkie has black/blue skin apparently!

[Lewis]

If it was mites, I think you'd be able to see them. If you can see mites, try red mite powder. I think her skin should be white/creamy colour.

 

 

It sounds really silly, but have they been out free-ranging in the sun? If she has no feathers, they can get sunburnt! The naked Neck chickens at the farm always used to get sunburnt, so if if was really sunny, we'd keep them in!

[MandE]

She is free range, so maybe that's it, but it is just a patch not all over.

 

I had another good look at her today. She seems fine in every other way, and is still laying, so it's just the bald areas and the red patches. Perhaps I don't need to worry.

 

Her eglu has been given a thorough scrub and dried in the sun this morning, and dusted with mite powder. I have also added some to her feed. It won't do her any harm, even if she doesn't have mites.

 

If she is plucking her own feathers, do I need to worry about this, or will it stop by herself?

 

Thanks everyone.

[annieastill]

I think we have the same problem - our ex batt girls look a bit red on their breast area - they have no feathers at the moment although they are growing back. We do let them free range and they LOVE to have a dustbath - could this be causing the redness?