No feathers!

Hi

New to keeping hens - our three hens have lost their feathers around their bottoms and look very sore - no feathers in their coup or run - any idea as to whats going on!?

Our hens get lots of treats and if they are eating each others feathers they are all at it and at night! What spray do you suggest?

pecking can also occur when hens are bored, so could that apply to your hens do you think?  Keep a close eye because left unchecked this can become a habit with serious consequences.  If the hens manage to peck flesh, and draw blood, you will find it hard to stop them, as like many creatures, they do like the taste of blood.  Can I suggest you keep gentian violet spray in, just in case of skin damage.  It is a good anti-septic, and the blue colour deters the pecking.  Also, address boredom/calcium deficiency if that could be the underlying cause.

Sorry to sound alarmist, but a friend of mine recently had the problem with his hens and it did get to be a real problem.  Like most things, prevention better than cure.

Best wishes

If theres any broken skin you could use iodine spray (this is after watching lambing live) I don't know anyone uses it for poultry though.