Black Vent

[shearwater]

Apologies if this has been covered. Can't seem to find a thread. My White Rocks have black around their vents. One of my RIR's, as well. What is it and what's the treatment. Thanks.

 

[terryg]

Have you picked up your hens and looked to see exactly what the black is? Dried blood? Mites? Mites are very tiny external parasites. They will cause bloody vents, which, when dried will look dark. The mites themselves live in the crevasses in wood during the day so you might only see the blood. Or, is what you are seeing caked manure? You can bathe your hen to remove the black stuff and do a better diagnosis. I have a youtube video about how to do that here: