This is our beautiful Light Brahma. She is 22 weeks old, healthy and laying small brown eggs. During the weekdays we don't let them free range until a few hours before sunset so we can keep an eye out for predators. Being locked in the run all day, her feet feathers get all pooed up. We have absorbent litter throughout the run but it's almost like she seeks out fresh poo to step in!! Are Brahma's more susceptible to illness because they carry poo around on their feet feathers? We have 10 hens total and I work hard at keeping their living spaces clean. Our hens all appear to be healthy and happy. Do we let nature clean those feathers through free ranging and dust bathing, or should we do it with a little warm soapy water? Thanks in advance for any feedback.
