The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Eagledance on May 14, 2009, 07:45:56 pm

Title: Baldy birds
Post by: Eagledance on May 14, 2009, 07:45:56 pm

HI good folks
I have 3 Black rock hens (10 months old)  - laying well (despite a broody episode 2 weeks ago, thought Back Rocks didn't get broody!)
The problem I have is they are developing bald patches on the back of their necks - no skin excoriation or wounding just feather loss. I wondered if it was due to them ppoking their heads through the wire fence but I never see this happening, then wondered if they were banging their heads in the coop when they were moving about before I let them out (I know leave the pop hole open so they come out at sunrise - way too early for me!) and the situation is no better.

Is it feather pecking? I thought this woudln't happen in such a small flock?

Any other ideas?

Ed ;D

Title: Re: Baldy birds
Post by: Castle Farm on May 14, 2009, 08:18:11 pm

De-louse them and start putting cod-liver oil..just a drop on the corn feed and put apple cider vinegar in the water.

Title: Re: Baldy birds
Post by: shetlandpaul on May 14, 2009, 08:42:31 pm

how can i say this how romantic is your cockeral. bold patches on there back and neck are sympoms of love. if no cockeral check there vents for lice and treat if they have any friends.

Title: Re: Baldy birds
Post by: doganjo on May 14, 2009, 08:49:02 pm

I have the same problem but underneath their necks not on the back.  I de-bugged them for mites a couple of weeks ago, and have given them verm x too.  I thought mine were poking their heads through the mesh too but again have never seen them doing it.  I'm still getting the 'upload folder is full' message so can't post a photo