MesMama,
Just catching up on some posts and thought I would weigh in on the health problem you have been having with your hens. In working with our large customers, we have learned that there are several things that can cause the diarrhea and dirty rear end that you are describing (and in the pic).
Pathogenic diseases like E. coli, Salmonella, clostridium are the most prevalent bacteria that can cause diarrhea thus creating the symptoms that you are seeing.
Internal parasites can also cause symptoms like that, but not as common as the bacteria above.
Both of these can be addressed by various means, including drugs, medications, chemicals and all-natural approaches, both as needed and through preventative approaches. Without diagnostics, it is hard to know exactly what you are going after. Thus a broad-based approach is then needed.
Since our large organic/natural certified flocks cannot use medications, chemicals or drugs to address both problems above, they are using our broad based formulas of all-natural ingredients (beneficial bacteria, targeted egg proteins, enzymes and other key ingredients) everyday to help avoid these type of problems through a daily wellness approach.
Don't hesitate to contact us if we can offer any additional help.
Thank you.
BYCHP David
DBC Ag Products
BackYardChickens.com Sponsor
Thank you!!@casportpony
