my chicken is losing feathers on its neck

[Anonymous]

I have had four chickens for a year and they have always been healthy. In the last couple of weeks one of them has been losing feathers around its neck and now has a bald patch about 4inches by 2 on the front and side of its neck. The area looks red and a bit sore but apart from that it seems well and is eating and drinking. Should I do anything ?

 

[podstable]

Hi -this time of year all the 'little critters' that bite are around! If they were mine Id start by treating house etc and birds for mites, lice etc--even if not visible. I didnt think I had red mite till I treated the houses routinely--then they crept out to die in thier hundreds! Other possibilities I guess would be feather pecking, skin infection etc. Id probably clean up the sore bit with hibiscrub (weak soln.) and some iodine/gentian violet spray. Ros

 

[Anonymous]

Hi -this time of year all the 'little critters' that bite are around! If they were mine Id start by treating house etc and birds for mites, lice etc--even if not visible. I didnt think I had red mite till I treated the houses routinely--then they crept out to die in thier hundreds! Other possibilities I guess would be feather pecking, skin infection etc. Id probably clean up the sore bit with hibiscrub (weak soln.) and some iodine/gentian violet spray. Ros

thanks I will do that tomorrow and hope for the best.