[nuttigill]

Hi All,

This is our first year with chooks & I have just noticed our Black Rock, Cilla, she has an untidy wing, on further inspection I discovered quite a bald patch underneath, no redness or blood and she didnt seem to be in distress while I was stroking her,
Shes eating well and chirpy enough.

I treat the hen house with mite powder every week when I do the housekeeping for them and the other girls are all fine.
I think she was bullied months ago when we introduced her, but not lately.

Any suggestions gratefully received, do you think she is going through a moult?

[hillfooter]

Usually moulting shows itself on the neck and hackles first so it doesn't sound like a moult and anyway they usually moult in autumn or early winter.

When you say untidy what do you mean, is there any droppiness or anything to suggest injury or broken bones?  Is the bald patch on the wing or on the body under the wing? Can the wing be extended and can you feel any dislocations?  You don't mean the bald patch is on her brest do you in which case it could indicate she is preparing to go broody?

Regards
HF

[nuttigill]

Hi Hillfooter,

I noticed the feathers under her wing were not smooth, when I looked she didnt object to me extending her wing & didnt apear to be in any discomfort .
The bald patch is under her wing on the body, no blood or scratches.
She was fine this morning running about with the others as normal & eating.

Its a mystery!
Hope its not something that can spread to the others.
Thanks for any advise.