My hens have a very dirty butt.

[Countryhippie]

I have four hens all around 6 1/2 months old. They are all laying eggs completely normally and eating fine. It seems like out of nowhere my hens developed really dirty butts. What could be causing this? And how can I treat it?

 

[Shadrach]

I have four hens all around 6 1/2 months old. They are all laying eggs completely normally and eating fine. It seems like out of nowhere my hens developed really dirty butts. What could be causing this? And how can I treat it?

What are you feeding them and what, if anything else are they eating?

 

[Countryhippie]

What are you feeding them and what, if anything else are they eating?

They are getting a mix of half chick starter and half laying pellets. They also get some treats randomly of mealworms and a bag of mixed treats ( attached a photo). They also do free range in grass and dirt.

 

[Shadrach]

They are getting a mix of half chick starter and half laying pellets. They also get some treats randomly of mealworms and a bag of mixed treats ( attached a photo). They also do free range in grass and dirt.

I doubt it's a problem with the chickens at that age. Older hens sometimes don't clear their feathers like they used to, so what they are eating is most likely the cause.
Clean them up. You can bathe their rear ends if necessary. I just pick it off by rolling and crushing the poop between my fingers.
Cut out all the treats.
See if they improve.
They may have found something out foraging that has upset their stomachs a bit.
You could test for this by confining them for a couple of days and checking recent poop.
I realise it looks a bit gross and if it's an ongoing problem it can make the chicken uncomfortable.
In hot climates, especially with new wet poop, it may enourage flies and one wants to avoid that.

 

[LizzzyJo]

I agree. Butt baths all around! They’re gonna LOVE it

If it happens again do a big investigation by keeping them in the run for a week. If they’re still clean, then check every plant on the property.

 

[AllyRose]

I have four hens all around 6 1/2 months old. They are all laying eggs completely normally and eating fine. It seems like out of nowhere my hens developed really dirty butts. What could be causing this? And how can I treat it?

I’m having the same problem. I have four hens and all four now have dirty butts. It started with one, but now all four are dirty. I think I may be feeding them too many table scraps or black soldier flies, or both. Could the problem be contagious?

 

[Aunt Angus]

I’m having the same problem. I have four hens and all four now have dirty butts. It started with one, but now all four are dirty. I think I may be feeding them too many table scraps or black soldier flies, or both. Could the problem be contagious?

You might try cutting out the treats for a bit to see if it helps. Its It's more than likely a food issue. If they are not young chicks, it's not likely an illness. If they are young or have been moved to a brand new area recently, diarrhea can be a sign of coccidiosis.

I actually cut their feathers if they get messy.