Bare bums

[fantasticfeather]

We have eight girls. I recently notice a bare bum on one and now that's up to six. I don't see signs of mites or lice but beyond the occasional tap I haven't see excessive pecking.

They have layer feed but do get some kitchen scraps as well - but not an excessive amount. I may add some proteins in the scraps in case it's creating a deficiency. Any other suggestions as to the cause?

The main concern right now is protecting it. I have some blu-kote on order but won't have that for a while. Being winter, I'm concerned about the bare butt exposure to the air. I'd consider applying tinted coconut oil or vaseline but I wonder if this might block the pores. Thoughts? Suggestions?

 

[MixedFlock23]

I bet the more experienced people will ask for photos. I don’t know, but did see this: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/bare-chicken-butts.1286528/
Hopefully it helps. GL!

 

[fantasticfeather]

Thanks for this MixedFlock23. I'd read through some but hadn't seen this. Helpful.

They have 80 sqft run and 32 sqft coop. There's a hanging cabbage to keep them busy but maybe I can add something else.

The bare bum against the winter air is what has me concern in the interim and I haven't found anything on that. I don't want them getting frost bit bottoms but am also not sure what I can do to protect that.

 

[MixedFlock23]

You’re welcome. Mine are all staying inside the coop except for very brief moments of running out in the snow. It’s 12° here, but will drop below zero this coming week. I rubbed petroleum jelly on my chickens’ combs last night. It is supposed to protect against frostbite. Maybe you could rub your chicken bums with it, like you suggested. It wouldn’t affect follicle/feather growth, I don’t think.