Gunky butt/not laying eggs

[Jkslb08]

Hi all,

We have a combination problem it seems. I've noticed that my RIR hen is no longer laying. She hasn't laid at all this season since she molted. She acts like she is broody about once or twice a week, but spends 90% of her time with the other hens. Lastly, her butt is really gunky and has been for some time. Any thoughts as to if she is "truly broody" and if we should break her, and if the gunky butt may be related? Thanks!

 

[Eggcessive]

She may be an internal layer or have vent gleet. A picture may help.

 

[Jkslb08]

Thanks for the post. This is a long-term problem so possibly vent gleet? She acts healthy and happy. I will post a picture tomorrow.

 

[Jkslb08]

It's hard to see her cloaca, but it actually looked okay when we were bathing her. We have gotten most of the gunk off and are giving them garlic in their water. Again, aside from her gunky butt, her only indicator that something is wrong is she isn't laying any eggs.

 

[Jkslb08]

Here's a pic.

 

[CoopDeDoo]

I don't have any advice for you but we are in the same boat. The only difference is I have two 2.5 year old GSL's going through the same thing. We have them all cleaned up but I don't have a clue what is causing it and how to treat it.

All three of GSL's stopped laying in early June. Then they started molting hard - one has come through it all just fine and looks like she will begin laying again soon. But the picture you posted could easily have come from my two as that is exactly what we are experiencing. The BR and EE are doing fine - laying - no "gunky butt" and had their normal fall/winter molt.

No signs of internal or external parasites. Mine are unable to free range so no chance of them having gotten into anything posioness or spoiled. Fresh layer pellets, water, greens and veggies everyday. Definitely not egg bound.

I hope someone has some answers/ideas for both of us.

 

[ten chicks]

Here's a pic.

That looks like vent gleet,could be why she is not laying. Does she get enough calcium? Hot weather will reduce egg production,but so will being broody.

 

[Jkslb08]

Thanks! We have started treating her for vent gleet. I think this has been our whole problem after reading symptoms. Thanks for the input. She was done molting in February and hasn't laid once this year which is odd to me, especially because she is only one! She's a character though and laying or not laying, we love our girl and want her to be healthy and happy!

 

[Eggcessive]

I think the picture just looks like a poopy butt (several of my blue wheaten ameraucanas have that) it needs to be cleaned off to see underneath. I have included a picture from another thread (not the 4th post) that looks like the white patches you will see in fungal vent gleet: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/748681/is-this-gleet This can be treated with a cream called Nustock which contains sulfur and costs around $12 at the feed store or online. Probiotics, yogurt, and ACV in the water will help. If the vent is clean after you trim the poop off, she probably doesn't have gleet. Simple kiddie scissors can be used to trim around the vent. Some chickens can keep a messy butt even without worms or other problems.