Cling-Ons....no, not the aliens...

[JeffOeuf]

One of my ~6 month old pullets (hatchery stock Silver Laced Wyandotte) seems to have a problem missing her fluffy butt feathers when she defecates. She does have a particularly fluffy butt, however the others do as well, and I haven't seen this issue. Is this a sign of something? Her stools look normal, there's just getting to be a build up back there. We've cleaned her up a couple times, but it just keeps occurring. Any ideas on causes and/or solutions?

 

[Nsampsel]

It happens. Best solution: Trim the buff fluff...LOL

 

[devora]

Like said, normal although not usual (maybe one of 10 of mine get this bad).

Trim the bloomers, if needed give a bath to loosen dried stools, and repeat as needed.

Blow dry and styling optional.

 

[Nsampsel]

It tends to be more common in the birds with especially fluffy butts (Silkies, Cochins, Orps, Wyandottes) & seems to just be a problem with tradjectory. They just don't aim out far enuf so it catches in the feathers. The wash & fluff above works if you have the time for it, the easier method (as long as you aren't showing the birds) is to just remove some of the excess fluff.

 

[JeffOeuf]

Okay, now I am really going to show my "newbie-ness". In trimming the feathers, is that like trimming hair? No nerve endings, no blood vessels in the end of the quill, correct? I would like this to be low drama for both Henny Penny and me.

 

[Nsampsel]

You should be able to trim butt-fluff to within about 1/8 inch with no problems, but probably not necessary to go quite that short. I just trim off whatever is getting cling-ons & it solves the problem & still allows for a fluffy butt which will stay nice & warm.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Okay, now I am really going to show my "newbie-ness". In trimming the feathers, is that like trimming hair? No nerve endings, no blood vessels in the end of the quill, correct? I would like this to be low drama for both Henny Penny and me.

Just like a haircut. I wouldn't cut them too close to her rear (more to alleviate pecking issues from the others than anything) Just trim enough that she doesn't collect poop on her rear.