Expert: Abi - 4/12/2008

Question
Hello,
I hope you can help us. Today I noticed that the back of one of my hen's necks was different- at the base of her neck, on her back all of her feathers are missing.  I finally got a closer look tonight- there is no blood, there's a little smell- it's probably about a section of 3/4 to 1 inch of missing feathers. It only shows when you push up the longer feathers coming off her neck- Esther is an Araucana- she wasn't acting quite herself a bit quieter- when the other girls got down for some extra grain she stayed up on the board and just watched them eat.  I have 11 hens- that do free range when the weather allows- we're in western NY so they're just getting out again- Also, today I noticed that one of my Light Brahma's was coughing-I have never seen this before.  She doesn't have any other symptoms that I have seen- what should I do about her? What can this be?  
And lastly- I have 3 Buff Orpington's that all seem to have "unclean" bottoms- where poo seems to dry to thier bottoms- what's causing this- besides the poop?  Is this worms? How do I determine what is the problem and what do I do?  I tried calling Cornell Cooperative Extension about her but the man I spoke with wasn't any help.  I don't know what to do.  Any help that you could give me would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

Answer
Firstly- here is a great website for your to visit for chicken help- www.omlet.co.uk

Chickens get little coughs and colds like we do- keep an eye on her to see if she gets better. If she doesn't or if she develops more symptoms I advise taking her to the vet.
Do you have a cockerel? He could be the reason your hen is missing feathers there. Otherwise it could be a number of things, such as mites. Try to get some mite powder on her.
Some chickens just have fluffier bums than others, so will get messier. It's nothing to worry about. If it's really annoying you you could always bath them!

Thanks for your question.