Bald tummies

[CandJ]

Am noticing that when the girls stand up properly and flap/fluff themselves up, all three have bald tummies (2 bantams, 1 hybrid). They don't seem too fussed and the skin doesn't lok raw or itchy, just bald. They do like to sleep in nestbox on straw on floor and not roost. Is this normal/ok? Could this be what's causing it? Any other thoughts?

[Birdie Wife]

Probably just moulting CandJ, they'll probably not lay as much as normal either. You can try giving them some protein-rich treats (like boiled eggs, chopped up very finely and mixed with a bit of bio yogurt - optional as chickens can't digest lactose very well) to help them through the moult as they are needing a bit of perk-up while their bodies are producing new feathers.

[CandJ]

Thanks. Yes, two bantams not laying but one of them never has. A bit useless but she's sooooooo cute (see pic of new trick!) that we love her still the same!! Hybrid laying happily.

[ChrisB]

Are both your banties Pekins?

Could they be broody?

The reason I ask is they do have a tendency to go broody, and sitting in the nesting box is one indication that they may be?

[yoanbob]

some birds like to sleep on the floor rather than perch, and this can make them bald but tends to be red too so maybee they are moulting.

[Birdie Wife]

Are both your banties Pekins?

Could they be broody?

The reason I ask is they do have a tendency to go broody, and sitting in the nesting box is one indication that they may be?

Good point Chris, often broody birds will pluck feathers from their tummies to line the nest, might be another cause of the baldiness?

[CandJ]

Oh yes. Both Pekins. Oh yes both broody. We shut them out everyday and ensure they eat and drink plenty so they are healthy generally. When they are shut out though they just find somewhere else to sit instead. Very infuriating. We feel really bad about the sinbin approach, and wonder whether they'd be quite happy just sitting about in the dark somewhere anyway - it's what they do!! I guess we were hoping they'd just snap out of it eventiually but it's been 3-4 months now and no sign yet! Just impossible! We're on holiday for a fortnight over the summer too and desparately need someone who'll hoik them out each day - not just drop food in. It's all a big p in the a.