Goldie Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 Hiya - Just had an afternoon with the flock and noticed Penny's head has gone a bit bald. Took a photo compared to her friend Henny. 1st image bald chicken, 2nd image (blurry) normal chicken. Sorry for terrible pictures they have taken to sitting on top of the rabbit run in the shed! I also noticed that when she reached her head up for a treat, she is bald under her neck (in the area where it bends, she, nor others, couldn't get to it). Haven't noticed any bullying either. Had a check for mites around her vent and under her wings, can't see anything obvious buy she had just had a dust bath so was quite dusty/gritty in her feathers, with sandy soil I assumed. Have never treated for mites so will do that. Unless anyone thinks it could be anything else? What is the best treatment....I feel if I powder her, a) it'll be time consuming, and b) she'll just shake it off. Does anyone use Ivermectin spot/pour-on? If so where do you get it from? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 You can get head and neck lice which attack the root of the feather causing it to break off. Are you sure she isn't moulting? We treat with Frontline spray (vet only) and soak a cotton bud and wipe on the skin in the area because it is too close to the eyes to risk spraying. Our vet advises 14 day egg withdrawal, but I can't see why as it doesn't enter the blood stream? Just being cautious I suppose. No need to repeat the treatment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 I think pecking could well be involved. Gemma who is definitely top chook has pecked off Suzie's feathers around her neck, which is a shame as she only just grew them back over the winter. I would see if you can keep an eye out for any bad behaviour. I don't know why they do it, and I really don't get why the pecked girlie just stands there letting it happen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldie Posted April 10, 2014 Author Share Posted April 10, 2014 There's only 4 of them and I haven't witnessed any sort of pecking/bullying/top-hen behaviour between any of them, ever. They free range with us for hours every day in the garden so we'd surely have seen something. The fact that it's under her neck that isn't accessible unless she really looks up high makes me think it's not pecking. Beantree, glad frontline works for you although I'm not that keen on vet prices. Has anyone had any luck with Harkamectin? http://www.chicken-house.co.uk/acatalog/Harkamectin__ivermectin_Drops.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coco Posted April 10, 2014 Share Posted April 10, 2014 I have several bantams with bald patches on their necks and headsm I think it is down to pecking. I have decided mine occurs in the mornings before they are let out of the house and started with the lighter mornings, they were fine all winter. I can't let mine out any earlier ad I have a cockerel who is usually quite until I let him out. There is no bullying going on as they are fine during the day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldie Posted April 10, 2014 Author Share Posted April 10, 2014 Thanks coco, Interesting as we haven't really altered our letting out times (it's as soon as we're awake about 7am), despite the lighter mornings. Maybe it's something to consider. Still interested about Harkamectin, would it treat any mites/lice/scaly leg? One of ours seems bad on her legs and wondering if I should be doing more than the Nettex spray and vaseline. Does it treat for all mites? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
