The Poultry Keeper

nickifletcher77 · Joined: 15 Sep 2007 Posts: 43

my araucana appears to be moulting and yesterday I noticed her bum is completely bare and was covered in blood as the others had pecked at her vent, they have actually tore a hole in it and it looks very sore. I have cleaned the wound and it seems ok this morning not bleeding or anything but obviously she still has bald bum would it be best to keep her separate until new growth appears or would this just cause a problem when i re-introduce her? I have put her in my spare pen for now but not sure what to do for the best Confused

any ideas

CP · Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 10:57 am Post subject:

Try to disguise the bald patch with the ever-useful purple antiseptic spray as the others are pecking at the redness.
You may have pecking order problems when reintroduced if she's isolated for too long. Wink

Chris Kurzfeld · Joined: 29 Oct 2007 Posts: 1410 Location: Carmarthenshire

Get some purple spray from your nearest farm store - I use the one that I also use for the sheep feet - and spray her where its red. For some reason, that someone more experienced will be able to tell us, chooks go for red and will peck mercilessly. Keep an eye theat it doesn't get infected. If they are still bullying her take out the one/s that are doing the bullying for a few days.

Kitsune · Joined: 13 Mar 2008 Posts: 1345 Location: Manchester

I'd keep her confined from the others but in sight of them - I have one in semi-isolation like that at the moment as his bum and back were picked bare.

I tried the purple spray on a chick with a sore neck and it didn't work, by the morning there was an open wound.

You could try purple spray and watch them for a bit, but I'd definitely keep an eye to make sure they don't still peck.

flock · Joined: 12 May 2008 Posts: 11 Location: Normandie

there is a product you can buy for pigs, it is a spray to stop pigs biting tails. Get it from agricultural merchants.

Spray a little AROUND the area pecked, on the feathers.

Warning - it really really smells vile!

I've used it to prevent feather pullers. It worked for me.

Let us know here if Shocked

it works for you. Best wishes.

rowingbeau · Joined: 29 May 2007 Posts: 37 Location: Devon

I use 'Stockholm tar' - you can get it from farm suppliers etc. It stinks - open it carefully.
Just smear it on bum(chicken's) and the others will leave well alone!
I use purple spray first if skin broken