I have one chicken that is losing feathers on her body. Only her body and she is not being picked on. Probably 2-3

Hello and welcome to Just Answer. This is Dr Mike and it will be my pleasure to assist you with your questions today. I have over 23 years of experience, I can understand how stressful it is for you. I will do my utmost to assist today and to see if we will be able to resolve this quickly for you. Please be patient with me as it takes time to review and write detailed recommendations. Shortly you will receive an offer from Just Answer for a phone call, this is not directly from me and you do not have to accept it. If you prefer we can continue this whole conversation here. I will begin our discussion today with some questions to better understand your concerns. How has the appetite, fluid intake, urinating and defecation been? On any medications or medical issues?

Will it be possible to send some photos of the affected areas?

Next will discuss ways to assist the skin. The concern is the in the skin there can be opportunistic bacteria and yeast that can proliferate to higher levels and can potentially cause skin problems. This is seen more often when there is skin damage by way if moisture or damage. The excess moisture can allow the normal yeast and bacteria that colonize and to proliferate to higher levels, as these levels increase then more issues may arise. Topical sprays with chlorhexidine and miconozole can assist with yeast and bacteria control.This can be applied to the area 2-4 times a day. They can kill the yeast and bacteria as they are applied.The chlorhexidine can address yeast and bacteria and the miconozole will also will address yeast. There is a topical spray that has hydrocortisone in it.Thiscan besprayed onto the red and itchy skin to alleviate much of the clinical signs also. This can be done 2-4 times a day as needed also the reduce itch and inflammation. The following are some example to look for, these can be found over the counter like at pet stores, pet section in some stores or online like at Amazon. It is generally more effective when the two different types of sprays are used together as explained below.

1. MiconahexSpray

The chlorhexidine will help to clean and disinfect and to address yeast and bacteria. The miconozole will address yeast also.

2. Pet MD hydrocortisone spray. The hydrocortisone will help with itch, pain and inflammation.Many other brands can be found with hydrocortisone too.

Until able to acquire the above items. The area can be cleaned with dilute Chlorhexidine.Thiscan be found at the pharmacy over the counter.It may go by the name Hibiclens or Hibiscrub.Then can apply triple antibiotic ointment to assist with potential infection.Topicalhydrocortisone can assist with itch and inflammation.

The market for this species is very small and such not many products are available for them. That is where we look for the active ingredients. That is most important. If you can find a product only for this speciesthat is great. However in practice those are the same active ingredients we use on these species too. I hope that this helps to explain this better.

Chlorhexidine has a much more effective activity against bacteria and yeast as opposed to Epsom salt and at times epsom salt may dry the tissue more and too much drying can lead to more irritation and even bacteria to gain deeper access to underlying tissue. The chlorhexidine does not dry to prevent this also and is gentle on the surface. It is what we use in veterinary clinic on wound and affected areas too.

Often when more issues are occurring on the area soaking can be most beneficial too in warm water to soften and remove the debris. Also can add chlorhexidine to the water as it will be able to kill infection on the surface of the skin as it is cleaning more too. You can find one gallon container also of chlorhexidine or nolvason at the agricultural supply stores. It will be much cheaper than the smaller bottles of Chlorhexidine to clean, apply and to soak the affected areas also.It will have good activity against bacteria and yeast. It is good to have a contact time of atleast 10 minutes before rinsing off.

We can keep this message open for some days also, I am here daily and am readily available for follow-up. Please keep me updated as to any changes or concerns that may arise. Above was discussed information to assist however if any changes occur veterinary visit is next step. If you wish for my help in the future. You can ask customer service to forward your questions to me, Doctor Mike. Start the questions “ForCustomerMcIntyre only and no other expert” I am here daily and will be happy to follow up. It has been a pleasure assisting you and Meanie today. I wish for a speedy recovery and have a great day. Thank you for using Just Answer. Dr. Mike.

Glad to hear appetite, energy level and all else is going well too.

Thanks for clarifying all. Then soaking in chlorhexidine mixed with water 2-3 times a week and then a chlorhexidine spray to address potential bacteria/yeast on the skin and a hydrocortisone spray to reduce redness/inflammation, these can be looked at 3-4 times a day till resolved as discussed above.

Generally if it is mites/parasites more of the body will be affected and will be much more itchy too.

How long has the coughing been? How often is it?

Is the cough just a few times here and there or regularly and frequently?

If it is that infrequent, all else is normal as far as eating and drinking and no discharge then may be more signs of irritation in the nares/airway even. However if it starts to worsen, become less active, more discharge then may be concerned of infection and will discuss this next.

Often when there are signs like this there may be an infection affecting them. Often they may not show specific signs for where it may be. However often antibiotics to address potential underlying infections can be most effective.

At an agriculture supply store or online or can look for LA200(oxytetracycline) it Tylan (Tylosin). They are injectable antibiotics, you may also find generic forms of it too. It has broad activity against many potential bacteria also. This is also over the counter. Often secondary bacterial infections can come from the primary problem. The antibiotics can help to address potential secondary infections also. Often if not able to give injections as well injectables are given orally too.

This link below has many good items and over the counter antibiotics to review also.

https://allbirdproducts.com/products/amtyl

https://allbirdproducts.com/collections/chicken-antibiotic-medications