Duncan08 Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 Out with the girls yesterday and noticed a tiny spec of red at the base of the tail, by the gland on my gingernut ranger. Couldn't find any broken skin at all, but there was a stub left of a feather that looked like it had dried blood at the end. Gave her a squirt of purple spray, and she seemed happy enough, popped her back in the run, and none of the others took much notice. (It was only a tiny amount). She has a very untidy tail, always has, she doesnt get pecked, she is chief pecker more than anything. Has anyone heard of this, I wonder if, for some reason, she just has very weak tail feathers. The others don't, so don't really think it is diet related, and they do get regular tonics. Are they a bit like dogs claws, with the end still "live" so to speak? Anyone else got a girl with a shabby tail that isn''t down to pecking? Anyone know how to fix it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 They can, especially when newly emerging, when they have a rich blood supply . Hens seem to find this very tasty, and will peck at them given half a chance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gongladosh Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 you sure it's not the preen gland? http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=81700&p=1126908&hilit=preen+gland#p1126908 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SueChick Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 I am sorry to be the voice of doom but please be very careful because this is exactly how our red mite infestation started. The blood was caused by her pecking at herself due to the itching from the mites. If it is then strike fast with your anti-mite regime before it gets out of hand. I hope I am wrong on this but just thought I would warn you to stop you going down this road of pain and heartbreak we are on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
