First off, private to CH: I haven’t forgotten my promise to get a pic of a Red Lady wearing one of the sweaters you sent. Every time I try, though, they remind me that they made no such promise and see no reason to cooperate.
Some weeks ago I noticed that the Brahma hens are getting worn spots at the bases of their tails. At the time, not knowing any better, I blamed the roosters. But now suddenly one of the hens is getting plucked bald on her back. Just the one, so far.
“What? What? Why are you following me?”
It’s the same sort of thing I saw with the Rhode Island Reds starting last year – and no, Agnes isn’t doing it. I watched yesterday and several of the other hens are plucking her for no apparent reason.
There’s no injury to the skin at all – so far. But there wasn’t with the RIR’s at first, either. Then suddenly there was carnage. Sure would like to nip this in the bud.
Farmer chic! Ain’t I cool? Since I’m going to be getting more Rhode Island Reds in Spring, I saved my pennies and bought the Ladies a proper waterer at last.
Unless there’s another CH, I’m not the one who sent the sweaters, although I do think it’s an adorable idea, and do want a pic.
Oh. Well then I forget who sent me the sweaters. But whoever it was, I haven’t forgotten about the pic. I’m just not getting a lot of cooperation around here.
If only they realized the luxury that awaits them. Poor stoopid birds. 😉
RIR usually pick, pick and pick some more. Make up a batch of Vaseline and mix blue food dye in it and spread it on the bare spots. They hate the taste of Vaseline. But before you do that, make sure she doesn’t have any of those tiny mites that the other hens may find tasty!
The only reason I piped up earlier and seconded the motion that chickens wear sweaters was the thought of anyone trying to get a sweater on most chickens I’ve seen. Good luck with that. It’s almost as fun as recounts of wrestling with an angle grinder but less likely to cause permanent scarring (to Joel anyway) – good all ’round!
So – I forgot – did those sweaters have little buttons or a zipper? Velcro could be handy.
Tell you what – Joel – I’ll give you a hint
.
Apparently you are not providing the chickens with enough entertainment. http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/back-to-basic-living-feather-picking-plucking-and-cannibalism