Oyster Cracker has a bald spot on the back of her head behind her comb. I believe Chocolate gave it to her. As she submitted to his interests, he used to grab her with his beak on the back of the head repetitively. As, you know, we rehomed Chocolate a few months ago, and still, no feathers have grown back. Is is possible that they will grow back once she molts this Fall? She is right next to Tilly on the pecking order, so I do not believe other chickens are responsible for this, especially because no one else in the flock has this bald spot. A friend suggested putting some Blu Kote on it and seeing if anything returns. Is it be possible that her feathers will never return? Poor girl. What should this Chicken Mom do?
Photo Credit: Tilly's Nest
Maybe you could make her a little chicken toupe :)
ReplyDeleteAwe, poor thing. Although, with this heat, she probably appreciates the little spot to vent off some of that warm air they trap under their down.
ReplyDeleteI'll bet they grow back after she molts.
Thank you for the laugh rugosarosefarm! I can only picture her wearing it now! Too cute.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are right Flock Mistress. I guess time will tell...
Most likely the feathers were broke off leaving the tiny shaft just below the skin. If they were pulled out completely they would grow back in a few weeks, but a broke feather is a different story. The feather will not grow back until she molts and the remaining feather shaft is expelled.
ReplyDelete~~Matt~~
THANK YOU Matt! This makes perfect sense. I am so glad that you left me this comment. Given my medical background, I love understanding the science behind things.
ReplyDeletePoor Oyster Cracker. I thought you said Chocolate was a good roo.
ReplyDeleteQing, Chocolate was a wonderful rooster. Pulling feathers on the back of the head, is just part of normal rooster behavior :o
ReplyDeleteOyster Cracker will most definitely grow new feathers in after she molts, Matt is completely right. She probably already has her new feathers by now, since it's been over 7 months since the last post! Our chickens have gone through this a number of times, and they always get new feathers in to replace various bald spots after they molt.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, your Oyster Cracker looks exactly like our Sweet Pea! What kind of chicken is she? Someone told us Sweet Pea was a Leghorn, but I think she looks more like a Buff Orpington. She is a very large hen. I would post a picture of her, but I'm not sure how to do it.
Thanks Cam! Yes, they all did grow back in. I am so happy about that. Oyster Cracker and Sunshine are both Buff Orpingtons.
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