sore skin and no feathers

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know why my girls are loosing their feathers on their chests and round their bottoms? In the past we have had red mites but there is no sign of these or any other mites at the moment. I have treated them and the house with diamataceous earth just in case but no improvement, in fact they are probably looking worse - Their skin is red and sore and bleeding in some places. They seem well in themselves and are laying 1 egg each per day, not really in keeping with red mites. Could the DE have irritated them? can anyone help!

 

[Davidd]

Hi, are they feather picking each other? Have you checked them at night for redmite? as they only come on the birds when they are roosting- it does sound like they are feather pecking if it is sore looking and bleeding- try spraying them with antiseptic spray to dry the wounds up and stop infection.I don't think it is the DE
regards, David

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks david. I was so convinced that we didnt have red mite. Last September we had a really big infestation and the first that i knew of it was when I put my hand in the hen house at night and came out absolutelt crawling with them! After your reply I checked under the perches and yes, there are some. I have now sprayed the house and dusted the chicks with DE. I hope this is the only cause, we'll see if they get the feathers back! Thanks again