Omlet Smart Autodoor - New in box

[oggybags]

We have had Shirley for 3 months and she started laying about 6 weeks ago.

 

Just before she started laying she lost some feathers on her back and I noticed that she was pulling them out herself and I presumed she was a little stressed and didn't worry too much as she seemed pretty happy. These feathers have not grown back and I have used wound powder, anti-peck spray and tar at various stages over the last few weeks when the other 2 have shown interest in the bald patch

 

She is still laying virtually everyday but over the last few days I have noticed further feather loss and on closer inspection today she has now lost most of the feathers around her rear end and also some on her belly as well as still having the bald back. Today, she has a very warm tummy and seemed to be straining to poo. She still seems very happy in herself, is still eating and is still laying - if she is still able to lay I would guess she should be able to poo ok?

 

Any help or suggestions of what might be happening/how to treat would be much appreciated.

 

Our other 2 ladies, Maude and Babs are showing no ill effects at all so I can't imagine it is mites etc. We have also found evidence of rats burrowing into the run recently but I have taken action to stop this and there has been no burrowing during the last week when Shirley's symptoms have got worse

 

Thanks in advance

[Plum]

Sorry I don't know but have you considered moulting

[Egluntyne]

It does sound like the beginnings of a moult. The apparent straining is possibly just down to the fact that you are now able to see the normal pulsating of the vent.

[oggybags]

I hadn't really thought about a moult as it starte din July so thought it was a bit early

 

She doesn't seem distressed so perhaps I will just contiue to monitor and make sure it doesn't get worse

 

Thanks for the advice