Chicken with a dirty bottom

[italktochickensTX]

I have a speckled Sussex hen (2 years old) with a notoriously dirty bottom. I tested a fecal sample from the flock for parasites and none were found. She is laying normally and otherwise acting normal.

Over the winter this same hen kept shaking her head but that seems to have stopped. I searched for a cause (respiratory infection, ear mites, etc) but never found anything.

Any idea what the cause could be? Of course she is my favorite hen (the one in my profile pic) because it’s always the favorites, right? lol

 

[Kiki]

Have you ever treated her with a dewormer?

 

[italktochickensTX]

Have you ever treated her with a dewormer?

No I try not to treat unless there is a parasite found. I took a fecal sample into the vet but it was clean

 

[BugStalker]

You may want to take a sample just from her in, since a flock sample can miss parasites in one bird, as the egg count isn't always consistent. It could be another digestive issue, though. I typically trim dirty feathers so it doesn't get as dirty again.

 

[italktochickensTX]

You may want to take a sample just from her in, since a flock sample can miss parasites in one bird, as the egg count isn't always consistent. It could be another digestive issue, though. I typically trim dirty feathers so it doesn't get as dirty again.

That’s a good idea! I have to take our new kitten in on Wednesday for shots so I can bring a sample then.