[kimtwig]

i hatched a mixed flock of orpingtons.  They have spent all of their lives together (5 months)  but all of the lavenders have  what appears to be eczema on their faces and necks.  There legs and feet  are clear.  All other birds in the flock are fine. Any clues?

[joyfull]

Take 1 to the vets to see if it is any kind of mite, if it is a skin problem then it could be due to an allergic reaction to their bedding or a plant, however first of all I would go down the vet route.

[kimtwig]

I was trying to avoid the vet route as i have to take my girls over 20 miles and only on tuesdays and fridays to see a vet that knows anything about chooks ... it just seems very strange that only the lavenders have it ? they live with another 4 birds that are perfectly fine ?

[joyfull]

sorry but if a bird needs a vet then they do regardless of distance. I doubt that excema would only pick on one colour, I still think you need to check for mites etc or see if they have an allergy.

[kimtwig]

hi
i will book them in today

[joyfull]

best to be safe - it could be nothing but if there is a problem then they will be in the best place to get treatment. Keep us all informed. Is there anyway you could post a phooto of this rash? Also are they fed on layers pellets or layers mash?