Messy Vent

[chemew]

I've got a buckeye hen that is just under a year old. For the past week or so I've noticed a messy vent area. It seems to clear up and then come back. Its not overly messy but enough so that it is noticeable. She doesn't feel as if she is egg bound (which I've read occurs rarely). I haven't seen any watery poo or blooed anywhere so I'm having a difficult time narrowing down possible causes.

Does anyone have any ideas on what is going on with her?

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Occasionally I notice a hen that does that. However, I have also seen it with worms. So here is my standard, "check for worms."

Some vets will do a fecal test for worms for a small fee.

I just wash off the bottom with warm water of the occasional hen. Some pluck the feathers back there so they don't get dirty again.