A few of my hens have white feces on their tail feathers.
I got the most affected bird into a bath of soapy water.
I feel bad because this has obviously gone unnoticed for too long.
Her tail feathers were completely packed with feces.
I soaked her for a good 15 minutes.
I then scrubbed gently and most of the feathers around the vent were removed.
Luckily the skin around the vent didn't look broken or sore. Dark pink maybe but not sore looking.
Please advice on what I should do next?
I now noticed 3 others with minimal white droppings on the tail feathers.
The majority of the flock seem just fine.
Admittedly, I've had some difficulty keeping the water as fresh as should be over the winter.
Today I reinstalled the auto waterer now that temps are up.
This first winter with my flock has been a learning experience.
I got the most affected bird into a bath of soapy water.
I feel bad because this has obviously gone unnoticed for too long.
Her tail feathers were completely packed with feces.
I soaked her for a good 15 minutes.
I then scrubbed gently and most of the feathers around the vent were removed.
Luckily the skin around the vent didn't look broken or sore. Dark pink maybe but not sore looking.
Please advice on what I should do next?
I now noticed 3 others with minimal white droppings on the tail feathers.
The majority of the flock seem just fine.
Admittedly, I've had some difficulty keeping the water as fresh as should be over the winter.
Today I reinstalled the auto waterer now that temps are up.
This first winter with my flock has been a learning experience.
