Concerned over silkie hens ...

[angsaidso]

Hello ... I am totally new to silkie chickens. I have looked at many and based on the condition of their feet and the filth on their toes, feet and foot feathers have steered totally clear. But now, I have four splash hens and a rooster from a friend of a friend with reliable birds and reputation. After I got them home ... within the day, I noticed their vent feathers were filthy. I do not notice any diarrhea, but yet it seems as though everytime they poo, it sticks to their feathers and their vent areas. The poo looks normal.

Do I wash them? Concerned about flies and also concerned if I should medicate just to be safe?? Is this normal in the breed? I don't remember, during my research on them, any mention of sticky poo or dirty butt feathers!!! :-( They are SOOOO pretty. Until they turn around!

Thanks!
Ang