Debbie1962 Posted September 15, 2021 Share Posted September 15, 2021 So one of my chickens has developed a bald patch on her chest. I have checked her over and visually I cannot see any parasites. She seems healthy and lives with her 3 sisters. A couple of the others look a little rough on the chest too but not bald like her. There doesn't appear to be any bullying or pecking by the others, they all seem to get on well. Any ideas? I can of course take her to the vets but wanted to ask here before stressing her out with a vet visit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted September 15, 2021 Share Posted September 15, 2021 Is her front bald or her underside chest? The bit she rests on while sitting/laying? Broody hens will pluck their chest to line the nesting box, to keep the eggs warm. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debbie1962 Posted September 15, 2021 Author Share Posted September 15, 2021 I would say its kind of where the fatty crop part is I think if you know what I mean. I haven't noticed any feathers in the coop where they lay the eggs. I might be able to get photos tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debbie1962 Posted September 15, 2021 Author Share Posted September 15, 2021 Similar area to this chicken photo I found online. Mine isn't as far up as on this chicken though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted September 15, 2021 Share Posted September 15, 2021 My Pekins often have this although you can't obviously see it, it's only when you part their feathers and have a look, then you see a pretty naked bit, like a freshly plucked chicken. Alternatively she could be moulting. Perhaps pop some tonic in their water to help feathers regrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debbie1962 Posted September 15, 2021 Author Share Posted September 15, 2021 It's definately a bald bit very smooth but didnt look sore or anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted September 16, 2021 Share Posted September 16, 2021 Another possibility is the chest feathers getting wet. Some chickens take too much of a beak full and spill some when they tip their head back to swallow, or the drinker may be overfull. Wet feathers are very attractive to a potential feather plucker, but they can also be over-preened by the hen herself to the extent that they snap off at the base with continual bending. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...