[Lardman]

Me again with yep more questions... 

Tarzan has had a few missing neck feathers for a while now (6 weeks ?) - I assumed Lunch had pecked them off as shes top chicken and Tarzan is 2nd and I've seen the odd peck usually over food.

I noticed this morning that the bald patch seems to be spreading under her neck close to her wattle to the other side.  Could she be moulting ? I'm not sure how old she is - egg production has also become a little erratic she missed 3 days last week but otherwise seems healthy and happy.

..... mmmm you're going to want pictures are you, not easy one handed but I'll have a go if they're needed.

[Roughlee Handled]

How old are they?
What breed are they?.... exbat.....
How long have you had them?

[Lardman]

Its just Tarzan... Im not sure of her age but I had her in December so I would think she last springs chicken, shes a Blackstar / Blackrock.

And really doesn't like to have her picture taken...

These are the best I can do. When she stretches you can see a clear bald patch about 1 inch long.

[Roughlee Handled]

Odd question for you but have you noticed if her comb has got bigger recently?

[Lardman]

Not that I've noticed and nothing significant looking at previous pictures...

What would that signify ?

[Roughlee Handled]

Not that I've noticed and nothing significant looking at previous pictures...

What would that signify ?

Glad you asked

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1025923/Sex-swap-hen-stuns-owner-turning-cockerel.html

It does not help with the feathers missing.
Is the area red?
Will she let you pick her up and if so has she got any crawlies?

[Lardman]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1025923/Sex-swap-hen-stuns-owner-turning-cockerel.html

Cheers Stuart now Im not worried Im REALLY worried  :blink:

I can't see any crawlies, no redness on the bald patch, no lumps and no swelling I can see.  I'll check her again when its a bit cooler she's not the easiest to get hold off since I've moved them of the patio none of them like to be picked up.

[Roughlee Handled]

Try sprouting 3 hands and then get a photo of the bald patch on him er I mean her.

[Aunt Sally]

Feather pecking I'd say.  Mine are doing just the same 

[Legbar]

Same is happening this end, with a sussex/RIR cross. 

It should stop in a few weeks, usually does...

[mumsy]

Don't want to worry you, but check the house for red mite, that was one of the signs that made me look closer. Just one of my girls had neck feathers missing.  Hope it isn't though, unfortunatley I did/do have them !!

[Lardman]

Its getting worse  all 3 birds now are missing neck feathers. They seem a lot more settled of late and I've not seen any pecking.

I've checked all of them over (much to their disgust) and I can't see anything on them. I've checked the coop, the perch and the nest box - and can't see any crawlies and Im still getting 3 eggs a day.

I've sprinkled some diatoms in their dust bath (which they seem to enjoy eating ??) in the next box and all over the perch.

Anything else I can / should be looking for or trying ?

[mumsy]

Have you been looking in the coop in the day or night?  Red mite come out at night, take a torch & a real good look  ( upwards!!).  If you can, remove the perches ( in the daytime) & check the ends.  Other than that, dust the girls with louse powder & carry on with the diatom.