I have 2.5 yr old Cinnamon Queen hens. They are mostly free range (or were until we got a rooster that likes to keep them close to the coop).
First, I know that sometimes chickens just have messy bottoms, and some more than others. But our hens were looking great until all of a sudden seemingly they all have messy poopy bottoms. The eggs are gross, and I'm concerned about why specifically, as we're about to raise/add new chicks to the flock. I've looked them over for any sign of lice or mites, and see nothing. I have looked at their droppings, and see nothing concerning; no worms or blood. It's been about 2-3 weeks that I've been checking. If they're fine, I'm fine, but I'm worried because a few years ago, we had beautiful Ameraucanas that had no signs of anything (not even poopy butt) and we sold them because we had a predator taking them daily, and the buyer contacted me and said they had worms.
Do you think that's what is going on again? It's my understanding that I'd see some sign of poor health, or worms in the droppings if so, but I didn't before. I did dust with poultry dust, but don't like to medicate unneccesarily.
Thanks for any advice.
First, I know that sometimes chickens just have messy bottoms, and some more than others. But our hens were looking great until all of a sudden seemingly they all have messy poopy bottoms. The eggs are gross, and I'm concerned about why specifically, as we're about to raise/add new chicks to the flock. I've looked them over for any sign of lice or mites, and see nothing. I have looked at their droppings, and see nothing concerning; no worms or blood. It's been about 2-3 weeks that I've been checking. If they're fine, I'm fine, but I'm worried because a few years ago, we had beautiful Ameraucanas that had no signs of anything (not even poopy butt) and we sold them because we had a predator taking them daily, and the buyer contacted me and said they had worms.
Do you think that's what is going on again? It's my understanding that I'd see some sign of poor health, or worms in the droppings if so, but I didn't before. I did dust with poultry dust, but don't like to medicate unneccesarily.
Thanks for any advice.
