[Debsie]

One of my girls has had a bare bottom for a while now, no sign of feathers growing back, it now looks quite red, fairly sure she is not being feather pecked, She appears well otherwise, red comb, laying well, enjoying being out and about dustbathing etc. Should I put something on it or just leave well alone.

[joyfull]

sorry but as she is red I would say she is being feather pecked (either by another hen or pulling them out herself). Check her for mites as the vent area is a common part of the bottom. If the skin isn't broken then disguise the redness with purple spray and if it is really sore put some savlon onto the area. Treat for mites/lice and spend a few hours just sitting watching to find out who is pulling out her feathers.

[Debsie]

having said I'm convinced there is no feather pecking going on I have just seen Millie (bare bottomed) being pecked at by Henrietta who is joint top in the pecking order, poor little thing was only trying to eat. Off to get some purple spray, skin not broken and looking less pink this afternoon but I can see where she had been pecked around her neck a little. Wondering whether to get a beak clip for Hen as it will be difficult to isolate her.

[joyfull]

is she eating the feathers? if so it could be a shoortage of protein in her feed so you could try increasing this, however if it is just bullying then yes get some beak clips