The Poultry Keeper

psywhizz · Joined: 06 Sep 2008 Posts: 18

Hi relative 'newbie'. I've had my Bantams 3 months or so they are all OK. However, the person I got them from red mite dusted them before I took them home. I now have 2 Columbian Blacktails which I saved from an egg laying environment, but were free range.

I have 2 questions. What medication/other items do I need on hand? I don't have anything really right now. I want to keep my small flock organic free range. I have some verm-x for parasite control although not used it yet. Does this actually work? It says it's a 'natural product'. I want to ensure my chickens enjoy the best health. I'd be so grateful if someone with more knowledge could help. I also need to know what things I should use for cleaning too if possible. At the moment I wash everything down with washing up liquid and warm water then rinse it with water and leave to dry (it pulls out) then I spray it with this small animal antibacterial spray stuff (I got from pet store - used for rabbit hutches and stuff) and and wipe it down.

My 2nd question. One of my Blacktails has a strange protrusion on her back. It's where she had been pecked when she was in the large flock. She has no feathers there, but I can see it's growing here is a pic - sorry it doesn't look very clear

it's central. It doesn't seem to bother her but I want to know what it could be?

Also her undercarriage. She refuses to perch in the house (all the others perch) she sits. Even if it means she gets pooed on! Anyway underneath she is really red (and not feathered)

Again it doesn't seem to bother her if I touch it. I was wondering is it pecking? Or I read somewhere here that poo burns! Is it that? How can I get her to perch? Or was it excessive pecking? Do I need to put something on her red area?

That last one was a few questions lol. I would be incredibly grateful for any answers please! Thanking you in advance!

Henwife · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 3540 Location: Monmouthshire

The protrusion is the oil gland. When they preen you'll see they keep returning for more oil for their feathers. Don't worry about her coloured undercarriage - it looks healthy and in due course will be feather covered. If she won't perch you can either accept it. or put her up every night when it's dark and hope she'll learn. I'm not the person to ask about hygine - children and chicken both survive my cavalier attitude towards it!