[Slimjim]

One of my Copper Black Maran hens has developed a peculiar condition on her head. It looks as though it's covered in dried brown mud; the feathers are a bit spiky and look manky. She appears to be otherwise ok, feeding, drinking etc. Any ideas please?

[Steph Hen]

No, guess she's just been some where she shouldn't have? You could try bathing? Warm water and a sponge? I've washed two of my birds (one after it got stuck/wedged in dirt under some metal girders and another broody which broke an egg and had it all stuck to her belly). They didn't mind after the first minute. Then keep an eye on her to see if she goes somewhere the others don't or if there's something wrong.

Actually, I read about gape worm causing birds to salivate loads, which ends up stuck all over their head and makes them dirty. Think that was meant to smell bad too..? Just a thought.

[chrismahon]

Sounds as though it is mud Slimjim, or wet feathers covered in soil dust as a result of pecking through ice on a drinker. Alternatively it could be eaten egg that has got covered in dust? The condition sounds like the appearance of Northern Fowl Mite on the feathers, but they primarily manifest around the vent and usually cockerels are hit first so I would dismiss that.

[Clansman]

Could it be dried egg?

Maybe she's been eating one

[Slimjim]

Thanks for those suggestions. Seems like a shampoo and set is in order.

[shygirl]

spiky feathers? as in new growth coming through?


i have to laugh if its mud, as my kitten came home plastered in mud the other day - would love to know what he did 

see what its like after a good wash as feathers dont keep the bird warm if they are plastered with anything.