We have just got three hens, one of which has a bald bottom. Her vent has got pecked and bled, so we have put on some spray which has stopped the pecking, but where she has no feathers she seems rather red. Can you help ?

Daren, Natasha and Grace Scribbins

Victoria Roberts says: Chicken skin, when exposed to the weather, always goes red. It does not mean that it is sore and, when the feathers grow back, the skin will revert to its normal pale pink. It is important that these hens have enough to keep them occupied. Hang up nettles for them to peck at. Give a seaweed supplement when they begin to moult.