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If I didn't have a hen or two who DIDN'T have a messy backside, I'd be thinking the world had stopped. After all...this is where the poop comes out. My granny always said her best layers were the ones with messy butts and I've found this to be true in my own flocks as well. Depending on the forage at that time of year, eating too many left over garden fruits, etc.
Whatever the cause, your hen has had runny poops....this shouldn't be a problem. You've already stated she had no other problems of decrease in lay, health, eating, etc.
On this forum, I've noticed a constant obsession with the consistency of chicken poop...weird! I've often wondered if they were as obsessed with their own? Think of how often your own BMs vary according to what you eat. If you have a bout of diarrhea after eating your first mess of sweet corn in the spring, do you wonder if your health is in question? Probably not...it happens.
Chickens are the same way. They are omnivores, so their diet will vary and how they process it will vary as well. If they were ruminants, I'd be looking at stool consistency to determine their health. Depending on the time of year or any change in diet for a ruminant, the bowel consistency is indicative of digestive changes or health changes and needs to be monitored or corrected.
Chickens? Nah. You can tell their general health by their appearance and performance...and sometimes you can't. One day they'll be healthy as a horse and the next drop off the roost with a heart attack. Such is life on the farm.
ETA: Sorry, Ridge and Loli...didn't see your posts that had answered that already!
Thanks to all who answered my question. One more question... Should I do anything to clean it off or just let her be? Someone told me that it would draw flies & cause maggots. Thanks again!
