Claire Thompson
If your chicken has a bald, red bum, it could be due to a number of reasons. Firstly, it could be caused by ammonia burn from unsanitary conditions or dirty litter. Alternatively, it could be the result of a lice or mite infestation, which can cause feather loss and skin irritation. In some cases, chickens may also experience protein deficiency, leading to feather loss and, in severe cases, the consumption of feathers. Additionally, exposure to sunlight can cause the skin to turn red, and certain illnesses, such as ascites or water belly, may also contribute to the issue. It is important to consult a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
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What You'll Learn
Ammonia burn from unsanitary conditions
If your chicken has a bald and red bum, it is likely due to ammonia burn from unsanitary conditions, such as dirty litter or shavings. Chickens may also experience feather loss due to laying activity, especially in birds that lay well. Good layers can end up with feather loss due to putting protein into eggs rather than into keratin-rich feathers. If the protein deficiency is severe enough, chickens may eat feathers to compensate.
To treat ammonia burn, keep the affected area clean and dry. You can also powder your chicken's bum, which will help it heal. Additionally, chickens are exposed to various diseases and viruses, so keep a close eye on them. You can also wash the affected area with a mild soap, such as Dove Sensitive, and rinse it with warm water, being careful around the vent.
There are several other potential causes of a red bum in chickens. One possibility is lice or mites. Check your chicken for lice or mite eggs, and if present, treat with an appropriate medication. Vent gleet, caused by a yeast or fungal infection, is another potential cause. If you suspect vent gleet, consult a veterinarian for advice and possible medication, such as Nystatin. In the meantime, you can add garlic and apple cider vinegar to your chicken's water and bathe them in Epsom salts.
Other potential causes of a red bum in chickens include water belly, caused by a lack of oxygen, and ascites, which is characterised by a swollen abdomen. If your chicken's abdomen appears swollen, consult a veterinarian for advice.
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Lice or mites
Mites and lice are common external parasites in chickens. Mites are tiny, eight-legged creatures that can live on chickens and in their coops. They are often found in cracks and crevices in wood, roosts, and nesting boxes. Mite infestations can cause symptoms such as scabs near the vent, dirty-looking feathers, pale combs, decreased activity, weight loss, and feather-pulling. Red roost mites, northern fowl mites, and scaly leg mites are some common types of mites that affect chickens.
Lice, on the other hand, are six-legged, flat insects with round heads. They live on the chicken's body and feathers, particularly near the vent and the base of feather shafts. Lice infestations can cause similar symptoms to mites, including restlessness, bald patches, and excessive feather loss. It is important to regularly inspect chickens for mites and lice, especially when introducing new birds to the flock.
To treat mites and lice, good biosecurity, regular inspections, and proper coop management are crucial. Treating after dark when chickens are roosting is recommended as it minimises stress. Insecticides such as Elector PSP, Ivermectin, and Exholt are effective treatments, but they may leave residues in egg whites and yolks. Natural treatments such as food-grade diatomaceous earth, dusting powders, and insecticidal shampoos like Lice Away can also be used.
Preventing re-infestation is essential. This includes keeping wild birds and rodents away from feed and water sources, regularly cleaning and treating the coop, and quarantining and inspecting new chickens before introducing them to the flock.
While mites and lice can affect chickens, it is important to note that poultry lice are not the same as human head lice, and people cannot contract lice from chickens.
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Protein deficiency
A chicken with a bald and red bum may indicate protein deficiency. Protein is an essential nutrient for chickens, and a lack of it can lead to various health issues, including feather loss.
Chickens require a diet that is approximately 15-18% protein. Feathers and eggs are made primarily of protein. When a chicken experiences a protein deficiency, it may start to eat its feathers to compensate. This behaviour can lead to bald spots, particularly on the chicken's backside, as they seek to ingest more protein.
Good layers can end up with feather loss due to their bodies prioritising egg production over feather growth. The chicken's body will divert protein towards egg production rather than feather growth and maintenance. This results in feathers becoming brittle and more easily lost, or the chicken may pluck its own feathers to ingest them.
To address protein deficiency, it is important to ensure your chicken's diet is adequate and balanced. Feed your chicken a layer ration of 16-18% protein. You can also supplement their diet with dry cat food (in moderation) or high-protein chick starter, although the latter is not recommended for pullets as it can induce early laying.
Additionally, ensure your chicken has sufficient space and distractions, especially during winter when boredom may lead to feather-pecking. Spacing guidelines suggest each standard-size chicken should have approximately 10 square feet of space to reduce feather-pecking behaviour.
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Ascites (water belly)
A chicken's red and bald bum could be caused by ammonia burn from unsanitary conditions and dirty litter. It is recommended to keep the area clean and dry, and to powder the chicken's bum. It could also be caused by mites or lice, which can be treated with medication such as ivermectin. In addition, a chicken's feather loss could be due to a protein deficiency, in which case the chicken may eat its own feathers. It is important to ensure the chicken has a balanced diet with enough protein.
Ascites, or water belly, is a condition that causes a chicken's abdomen to swell with fluid. It is often caused by a lack of oxygen (hypoxia) and can be life-threatening. Water belly is commonly seen in aging layers but can also affect young, fast-growing chickens and turkeys. It is not contagious but can affect multiple birds exposed to the same adverse conditions. These adverse conditions include poor diet, hygiene issues with water, infections, respiratory disease, rapid growth, excess sodium, stress, genetics, sour crop untreated, and mold. Treatment options may include medication, such as antifungal or systemic medication, and addressing any underlying causes, such as improving diet or water hygiene. It is important to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Sun exposure
Chickens can lose feathers due to moulting, which usually happens once a year in early autumn. However, moulting can also be triggered by changes in daylight hours or temperature, resulting in an early or interim moult. This can cause chickens to lose feathers progressively from head to tail, or they may experience a "total feather-drop" and become temporarily bald.
Additionally, feather loss can be caused by feather pecking, either by the chicken itself or by other chickens in the flock. This behaviour may be a sign of discomfort or the presence of external parasites such as lice or mites. Chickens may also pluck their feathers due to poop getting stuck on their rear, as they may try to remove the poop along with the feathers.
Good layers may also experience feather loss due to putting protein into eggs instead of feathers. In this case, ensuring a balanced layer ration of 16-18% protein can help address the issue.
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Frequently asked questions
It could be ammonia burn from unsanitary conditions or dirty litter/shavings.
Keep the area clean and dry. You can also powder your chicken's bum or wash it with a mild soap and warm water, being careful around the vent.
Yes, it could be mites or lice. Check for external parasites. If your chicken is not getting enough protein, they may eat their own feathers or the feathers of other chickens.
It could be vent gleet, which can be treated with antifungal cream or medication such as Nystatin.
Good layers can end up with feather loss due to putting protein into eggs rather than feathers.
