How to clean a chicken

[jayn56]

Hi guys, one of my chickens seems healthy enough but I noticed today, she has a right poopie bum/ feathers around her bum.
I've ordered a worm test kit as I've been advised to test instead of just worming as its not terribly nice for them.
I've read some stuff saying I should soak her bum to get the poo off... I need some advice as to temp/ any products/ methods to employ to make it as unstressful as possible for her.
Any ideas would be good. TIA

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

Welcome to BYC, Tia!

Sorry to hear about the poopy butt situation. It is certainly a great idea to take a fecal test prior to giving the whole flock a dewormer. May I ask where you found your kit? I've never seen them before.


I had a hen who was prone to poopy butt. Every time it happened to my hen I would do my best to clean her up with warm soapy water (dawn dish soap is what I use). I also trim the feathers too if I cannot clean it all.

Obviously it's a dirty job, so gloves are a good idea. It's easier to have a helper, too. One person to hold the bird, one person to do the dirty work.

I'm not sure what causes poopy butt, but if I were you I would do a search on this forum for "vent gleet". I don't know much about it, but it may be something to look into.

My best to you.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - you have some great advice already so I'll just say hello!

All the best
CT

 

[NickyKnack]

Hello!

Welcome to BYC and the coop! There's a lot of great peeps here! Feel free to ask lots of questions. But most of all, make yourself at home. I'm so glad you decided to join the BYC family. I look forward to seeing you around BYC.

 

[drumstick diva]

Some folks say a bit of apple cider vinegar in the water clears it up. Once you get her cleaned up put some Vaseline around her vent. If she is continually having this - you may want to heck out vent gleet, on the search box.

 

[jayn56]

Cheers guys, my lab tests are booked and waiting for the kit- it's from westgate laboratories and its £9.50 then add £2 for delivery. My chicken friend put me on to them, it says on the website what you get for that money. I guess my day is a poopy one

Fingers and feathers crossed this is the end of it for her and I don't need to harass her some more!