One hen with red raw wings. Photos included

[tuscan440]

Hi all, one of my hens has developed an issue with her wings and i have no idea why.

To give you context we have 4 hens of different breeds (all 2 years old), they have a strict, measured diet of feed, corn treats grit (Feathers & Beaky) with a 13m2 pen and large hut. They are let out every day to scratch around the garden but if i can't come out then i give them grass so they at least have some greens every day. They have regular worming treatment, periodic cider vinegar additions to their water and a well ventilated hut. So basically, they are healthy chickens, they have always laid well and aside from a serious bit of red mite last year they have been fine.

So a couple of months ago i noticed our light Sussex develop sore points on her wings and her feathers have started to look worse and worse. I'll let the pictures tell the story but she is also struggling to lay and when she does the shells are weak, sometime breaking when they hit the ground. One egg had the yolk outside of the shell which was a bit of a shock. Aside from that her behaviour is normal and her wattle and comb looks fine. She eats and drinks well, responds in the same way and has just finished another round of worming. The other girls are in good health and we do not have any red mite at the moment. (I learnt my lesson last year and keep on top of it by emptying the hutch and using a heat gun or blow torch to fry the buggers! So there isn't any chemical exposure to poultry shield)

Any ideas what is wrong and if you think this could be more than one issue? Thanks in advance.

images upload

image hosting

imgurl

free photo hosting

 

[dinosaw]

Hi Tuscan and welcome to the forum.

It looks like she has had a partial moult and the area at the top of the wings is being pecked by the other birds which is why it is red. It is one of those areas that for whatever reason seems to be more prone to pecking. The redder it gets the more it will get pecked so get some purple spray on the area. The shells will be weak as part of the calcium she ingests will be being diverted to reform those large wing feathers, once they feather up properly the eggs ought to return to normal.

 

[tuscan440]

Hi dinosaw

Thanks for the response, that's interesting as I've not seen the other girls peck her in that area but she is definitely bottom of the hierarchy so that wouldn't surprise me. Can you recommend a safe purple spray to use?

 

[dinosaw]

The one we use is battles gentian violet but they are all much of a muchness to be honest. Wear some gloves when you use it as it has a tendency to get all over your hands and takes some getting off.

 

[tuscan440]

Great stuff, your help is much appreciated . I've got some on order!

 

[Marigold]

To prevent the spray from going all over her body, you could spray a small puddle of it on to a saucer and then apply it with a cotton bud, exactly where you need to. It's easier if someone else can hold the hen. It's pretty indelible stuff, lasts weeks on her feathers, so also it's good to wear thin polythene or latex gloves when using it, or you'll have purple fingernails for some time.
Nettex do an excellent mineral supplement powder to add to feed, which has seaweed and probiotics as well. I use it in the winter and add it to the warm mash mine get in the cold afternoons, but you can just add it to pellets and it will be good for all of them as they're coming up to their late summer moult. As Dinosaw says, growing feathers takes a lot of mineral resources and protein.
See http://nettexpoultry.com/products/health-nutrition/mineral-boost-probiotics-and-seaweed
and check internet for best prices.

 

[tuscan440]

Good shout, i don't think purple fingers for blokes are in fashion at the minute. I've never considered supplements as they've always been so healthy but i think I'll get some after this little episode!
Thanks.

 

[Marigold]

Entirely agree about going easy on the 'extras'- like yours, mine seem to stay healthy on the whole on a straightforward diet of pellets and greens, but there are times when a bit of a boost is a good thing, and the Nettex powder is the only supplement I use, especially on hens during moult and in the winter.