veggiemad Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 Hi. we have just come back from 2 nights away- chickens have been fine - thankfully - only had them 5 weeks. Anway, one of the i notice has small red ?scabs on her back (they are all exbatts) could this be where her new feathers are going through and she has been scratching at them? I've sprayed her with anti- peck, just incase any bullying occured in our absence, i also have some purple spray on the way from omlet . Any advice appreciated. Shes fine otherwaise- laying eating and dustbathing etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pikey Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 Hi...I can't remember my girls itching .....the area was just really really bright red and inflamed looking.....however I did remember seeing the below from the Little Hen Rescue website (http://littlehenrescue.co.uk/after.aspx Feather plucking Farmed hens can come out partially or completely bald due to stress. Once out they will grow new feathers which start out as feather spikes. Hens often pick at these spikes themselves as they aggravate their skin, which may cause a little blood. The others hens might try to peck each others spikes. Please remove any signs of blood to stop a hen being picked on. Some hens feathers take longer to grow than others, they will grow back eventually so try not to worry. They will also adjust to the cold very quickly. Soon you will have fluffy healthy hens. Things to try.. - Distract hens by adding new things to run/pen or let them free range - Remove any signs of blood, either wipe it away or if bad spray with anti-septic purple/violet spray. This can be bought from some pet shops, LHR collection days and all equestrian shops. If you need some quickly or can't find any please contact us and we'll have you bring hen in to be sprayed at LHR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
