Hello -
I do have access to a vet and will reach out to her. But was hoping I could also pick the brains of all the knowledgeable people here first, as it sometimes takes a few days to get an appointment.
I have a two year old RIR hen who is typically perky and very consistent with laying. She hasn't laid an egg in a month but otherwise has seemed perfectly normal. She eats, drinks, acts like herself.... no injuries that I can find, no sign of lice/mites, no bumblefoot, etc. In the last couple of weeks I've noticed her feathers in the vent area have a "dusty" look. No poop clinging to them in the way that I've seen buildup. Washed the area once and it came back. Noticed her poop (at least a few times when I've been there to witness her pooping in front of me) is pretty liquid-y, often clear or cloudy white with some chunks (sorry, a little gross to describe). So I'm guessing just a slight bit of the liquid is getting on her feathers to give it that dusty look?
Also found that she has a featherless, red belly. Not by the chest, closer to the back. It does look pretty sensitive/ouchie. Not broody. Never has been. Not swollen. I have two different roosts, one wood (smooth/sanded edges) and one rope wrapped roost. MAYBE it's the rope rubbing her? But I feel like the rubbed area would be more up front -- I don't think it would rub so far back based on how a chicken perches. But I could swap it out and see how that goes.
This morning I definitely could sense that she wasn't feeling 100%. Still walking around some pecking at things, but more subdued. Took a few rests.
When I try to research these symptoms, there are just too many things coming up and I can't seem to zero in on anything. Any ideas? Or anything else I should check to see if that would help narrow it down? Attempted to take some pics this morning annnnd that proved to be pretty difficult by myself. So I may try getting some help from my husband to take better ones later. Thinking I should spray some Vetericyn on the belly area. Thanks in advance for your wisdom!
I do have access to a vet and will reach out to her. But was hoping I could also pick the brains of all the knowledgeable people here first, as it sometimes takes a few days to get an appointment.
I have a two year old RIR hen who is typically perky and very consistent with laying. She hasn't laid an egg in a month but otherwise has seemed perfectly normal. She eats, drinks, acts like herself.... no injuries that I can find, no sign of lice/mites, no bumblefoot, etc. In the last couple of weeks I've noticed her feathers in the vent area have a "dusty" look. No poop clinging to them in the way that I've seen buildup. Washed the area once and it came back. Noticed her poop (at least a few times when I've been there to witness her pooping in front of me) is pretty liquid-y, often clear or cloudy white with some chunks (sorry, a little gross to describe). So I'm guessing just a slight bit of the liquid is getting on her feathers to give it that dusty look?
Also found that she has a featherless, red belly. Not by the chest, closer to the back. It does look pretty sensitive/ouchie. Not broody. Never has been. Not swollen. I have two different roosts, one wood (smooth/sanded edges) and one rope wrapped roost. MAYBE it's the rope rubbing her? But I feel like the rubbed area would be more up front -- I don't think it would rub so far back based on how a chicken perches. But I could swap it out and see how that goes.
This morning I definitely could sense that she wasn't feeling 100%. Still walking around some pecking at things, but more subdued. Took a few rests.
When I try to research these symptoms, there are just too many things coming up and I can't seem to zero in on anything. Any ideas? Or anything else I should check to see if that would help narrow it down? Attempted to take some pics this morning annnnd that proved to be pretty difficult by myself. So I may try getting some help from my husband to take better ones later. Thinking I should spray some Vetericyn on the belly area. Thanks in advance for your wisdom!
