Lisbeth Posted August 2, 2019 Share Posted August 2, 2019 Blanche has been losing feathers from her underside for a few weeks. The skin looks too pink. I haven’t seen her being bothered by the area. She lives with 3 others that don’t seem to be affected. I lost an older chicken a few months back that had the same problem. I use chopped hemp bedding from Flytes of Fancy to help reduce infections and pests. Any idea please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyRoo Posted August 2, 2019 Share Posted August 2, 2019 @Lewis, our resident vet, might be able to help. In the interim, you could try using some anti-peck spray and violet spray to cover the skin just so the hens aren't tempted to peck at her now the patch is already bare. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted August 2, 2019 Share Posted August 2, 2019 Is she also bare around her breastbone? A broody chicken often will pluck her own breast and belly to line the nest and get better contact with her eggs. Did you check for lice or mites? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisbeth Posted August 2, 2019 Author Share Posted August 2, 2019 Thank you for your help. She is not broody, and laying regularly. I will check for lice or mites but wouldn’t the others be infected too? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted August 2, 2019 Share Posted August 2, 2019 I think she’s doing it to herself, broody or not. The skin is pink simply because it’s being exposed to the light. You could try a bumpa bit. I’ve never found any of the anti peck sprays any good and some are vile! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisbeth Posted August 3, 2019 Author Share Posted August 3, 2019 Thank you Patricia. I had to google that as I’ve never seen or heard of them before. I’ll see if the Omlet vet has any ideas. The bumpa bit is a good suggestion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted August 3, 2019 Share Posted August 3, 2019 Although we all see @Lewis as our personal vet and we think he is awesome, he isn’t the official Omlet vet. When in doubt always reach out to your own vet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 3, 2019 Share Posted August 3, 2019 I would be looking at the following: She could be plucking to cool down She could be plucking if she is broody (you have ruled this one out) She could have lice/mites; have you checked her and do you have a preventative programme in place? Lastly, her skin will be red if it is exposed; they have very fine skin and it needs protecting. slap some Sudocrem on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted August 4, 2019 Share Posted August 4, 2019 Hybrids often get red skin like this, if you’ve checked she’s not broody and no external parasites I wouldn’t worry too much. Lots of chickens are going through the moult early this year and they tend to settle when they stop laying during the moult. CT is right, if you’re worried give your vet a ring Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted August 4, 2019 Share Posted August 4, 2019 Nearly all of mine are moulting - feathers everywhere! And I noticed a few days ago that my pekin has no feathers at all over her crop or keel even though she’s one of the few still laying and not moulting - then yesterday she went broody! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisbeth Posted August 5, 2019 Author Share Posted August 5, 2019 Many thanks everyone for all the advice. It’s been really helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...