[chickenlicken]

Hi there
 
Wondered if anyone might be able to advise as to the cause of our Bluebelle's bare behind.  We have noticed this morning that the feathers have been pulled out leaving a red quite sore looking patch. 
 
We haven't noticed any of the others pecking at her or indeed her pecking herself and after giving her a thorough look over I can't see any signs of mites/lice etc on her or the other girls.  I have put some purple spray on her to see if it helps.
 
She is otherwise fine and eating and laying well
I did wonder whether perhaps she was not roosting on the perch and will check that tonight.
 
We regularly dust with Diatom - could it be that?
 
Have attached some pics

Thanks

[mrs.ploppy]

My 2 bluebelles have totally bare bums even after this last molt as they are such prolific layers.  Their bums look bare with bright red skin like a baboon's bum.  If you can discount any creepy crawlies or feather plucking then this may be the cause.  Have they recently come into lay this year?  My 2 have never missed a day since they came into lay.  And they have always had bare red bums almost like a display thing to the cock bird to say they are ripe for mateing?? Maybe??

[Kristen]

Our chickens, in their second Autumn, lost all their tail feathers.  Took them to the vet. Vet said normal to moult this time of the year, and more of an issue in second Autumn than first, also that it can irritate the bird such that they pull the feathers out - which, what with new feathers coming,  makes it all look a bit raw & sore.

Within a few days her new feathers started appearing ...

(Ours are French Morans, in case that makes a difference)

[chickenlicken]

Many Thanks to you both.
We got our chickens at Easter this year so she has been laying for about 5 months and hasn't missed a day either!!
I think it may moulting that is causing this so will keep an eye on her for a few more days and see if it siorts itself out.  The purple spray looks pretty gorgeous against her lovely bluey feathers I have to say!!

Thanks again

[mrs.ploppy]

Yes, the purple spray is the best to apply when you have a bold bum when it is sore but if the bottom is just naked you shouldn't need to apply.  a must have in the first aid box.