A lot feces on her backside??

[rosemarythyme]

Fermented feed isn't a magic bullet. I feed some fermented feed and my one hen still gets a poopy butt easily, a lot of it is how she's physically built.

 

[azygous]

As @rosemarythyme pointed out, FF isn't going to be a makeover for lazy poopers, especially if the problem is aging hens for the most part. I'm fortunate to have some very old ones. They range from ages six to over ten years old. Most of my younger hens, ages three to five, have much cleaner butts. Part of the problem, as others have pointed out, is that older hens, much like older humans, begin to pack on weight around their mid-sections, which act a a shelf which the poop may not clear each time.

FF is so easy to make and the chickens really do prefer it to dry crumbles. There's zero waste, and the nutritional benefits are numerous. Some effects are immediate, such as natural probiotics enhancing bodily functions, but the long term effects are much more astounding. Fermented feed is likely the reason why these girls of mine are aging in good overall health, most of the seven and eight-year olds are still laying.

 

[aart]

Clip feathers to about 1/2" from skin.
Check closely to make sure there is no skin irritation or maggots
Quit feeding fruit.

 

[NashvilleLuLu]

We think the fresh pears gave them diarrhea and that resulted in poopie butts. Everyone has been bathed and feathers trimmed where necessary. No more pears for these young ladies.

I will be exploring FF because it sounds like an easy and really good thing to do. Thanks for all the advice. Y'all rock!