I am very new at keeping chickens, having only acquired a small flock of 8 ladies 3 weeks ago. They are older birds leghorns and reds. Things have been great until 2 or 3 days ago, when I noticed a red with a very dirty backside, she was also lethargic with very runny poo . After reading lots of information on your site, I have isolated her, given her yogurt, probiotics and a bath! Your site is great source of information. Her backside did not appear red or inflamed and I could not find any mites etc. Not sure what to do next, is it safe to bath her regularly? The girls have layer pellets, some seeds (prepared) and lots of kitchen scaps. As we have an accommodation cottage, we thought having chickens would be great for families and their children to experience hens and egg collection, however, I am not sure whether the girls had been fed by guests and if so, what they have had. Could this have caused the problem? Thanks for all the help so far. I would love more advice. Sue
Alright and great to have you onboard Sounds like you did your reading good job Might want to wash that backside with some no tears shampoo Might want to try a good hardboiled egg pealed and mashed then serve gander007
Welcome to BYC! You may want to post your question here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures Good luck to you and your bird!
Sounds like you are on the right track. With regard to the kitchen scraps, too much spinach gives my flock runny poos. You may want to discontinue the scraps until the condition clears. Welcome to BYC.
Welcome to BYC!! :yiipchick I agree and think that kitchen scraps may be the culprit. I hope your hen feels better soon.
to BYC! A red and dirty backside sounds like Vent Gleet. A fungal infection that starts at the vent. It causes the vent area and butt to become very red and swollen. Eventually this fungal infection gets up into the intestinal tract and or oviduct. Lots of nasty diarrhea, sticking to the butt feathers. You can use vaginal cream on her vent area to help combat the yeast/fungal infection. Apply it daily. Use probiotics in the feed and even some Apple Cider Vinegar in the water. Both of these will help with the internal infection. Apple Cider Vinegar, (ACV) is used 2 Tablespoons per gallon of water changed daily. Use it for a week or two and it should help clear this up. If you don't have any probiotics to add, continue giving plain yogurt. Good luck with your baby and enjoy BYC!
