What makes a chicken coop easy to live with?

[w0lfiesmith]

Hi all. I was quite shocked today to find all of my babies had a huge bald patch on their undersides / rear. It doesn't appear to be molting from what I've read here (starting on the neck etc), but it's quite severe. I've seen them peck the feathers out of each other on occasion, but didn't think it would get this bad overnight and not sure if it's a cause or symptom of something else. Any ideas? Is this a disease? Is it just boredom because they're cooped up all day? Curiously, it's the leader of them that seems to have been affected worse - I was under the impression they might pick on the smallest, but she's the least affected (though still a little). Now that the days are short, I'm rarely able to let them out to roam in the garden more than once every 2 or 3 days. Their behaviour hasn't changed, and they're still laying 2-3 eggs a day.

 

Please help!

 

James

 

[staceychristie]

Second picture.....Is that dried Blood? You need to act quick to avoid any more trouble as it looks close to her vent. Gentian Violet quickly needs to be applied to avoid more pecks. Also look for any little blighters on the birds themselves. Redmite is a problem, and the girls will scratch as it itches as they bite, also other lice/bugs. May need dusting?

Good luck...

 

Stacey X

[w0lfiesmith]

Thanks Stacey, it did look a little like dried blood. I 've ordered some Genetian purple spray for next day delivery, so will get on that ASAP. I've quick look over and I dont think it's red mites, and I've seen them still trying to pick the feathers out of each other. I'm almost sure it's down to boredom now, so I'm going to make sure they got at least something hanging in there to peck at, corn for the time being or a block of cabbage, but will look at some peckablocs too. Thanks for your advice!