[Apprentice]

One of my hens has a pale, slightly swollen crusty comb and a small bald patch at the front of her neck where her new winter feathers don't seem to have grown back.  Any ideas what may be up with her?

[Jeanette]

Have you checked to see that she does'nt have mites or any creepy crawles

[henamoured]

Not sure what the bald patch might be but I'd echo checking for mites etc.
Also might be worth just spraying a bit of antiseptic spray on the area.
When one of mine had a blackish tinge to her comb I put garlic in the drinking water and it seemed to clear up. I think garlic has mild antibiotic and antifungal properties. Could have been coincidence of course!

[Apprentice]

Checked for mites but couldn't see amything.  Will try the garlic idea and treat for mitesjust in case.

Cheers