telechookies Posted April 25, 2009 Share Posted April 25, 2009 Hi, Been looking after my mums hens for the last 3 days as she is away on holiday, in all we have only had them for a month, so have no experience. Our has lost feathers on her back and looks bit bloody and sore what do you think is wrong? When I went round this morning i didnt notice as she had more feathers this morning! looks fine so only affecting one hen. Normally it is that bullys so I am not sure whether this is due to fighting? My mum normally lets them free range for a few hours during the day, however due to me working and not normally getting back until dusk they have not been able to free range, could she be getting bored?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted April 26, 2009 Share Posted April 26, 2009 Hello telechookies. I would think that they are bored and one hen is pulling the other ones feathers. She will need to have her back cleaned up. Use salty water to wash the area and savlon or antiseptic cream. If you can get hold of it, then purple spray from equestrian shops will cover the area and hopefully prevent further pecking. Try hanging up half a raw cabbage or anything green to encourage them to peck at that, rather than eachother. Hens are attracted to red, so the bloody back will need to be cleaned up to prevent further pecking. Hope it works out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
telechookies Posted April 26, 2009 Author Share Posted April 26, 2009 thanks, I went to pets at home just now and the only thing they had was some nibbler preventer so I have sprayed her with that. I ordered some purple spray last night over the internet so hopefully will get it in next few days. Wasnt sure what to clean the wound with , but will give salt and water a go later and re-spray before they go to bed. Also got them a cuttle fish to peck on, and a seed bell, hope that will keep them occupied. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budgies Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Sounds like you're doing all the right things. My vet said the other day that once they see blood, chickens will peck relentlessly, even tearing themselves apart. She suggested using blue food colouring from the supermarket to cover any sign of blood in the absence of proper purple spray. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
telechookies Posted May 3, 2009 Author Share Posted May 3, 2009 Oh noo, I have been spraying with purple spray and nibbler detterent everyday.. but she keeps moving onto other areas now her thigh and further areas around her body which were not sprayed. They free-ranged pretty much all day yesterday after I made the garden chicken proof to protect my mums flower beds. I wasnt at home for most of the day but felt i would chance it I am sure they were much happier than being stuck in the eglu, I know she is doing it to herself as I caught her in the act she even does it whilst she is free ranging. i dunno what to do! She has pecked herself so much on the leg i think she is in pain cos looks like she hobbling a bit and always has that one leg in the air.. any ideas anyone??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 Have you checked them for lice and the Eglu for red mite? perhaps something is irritating her? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
