One of my hens never developed fluted upright tail feathers, hers are rounded, around her body. Therefore she constantly has a poopy bottom. I rinse her off a couple times a week but this is getting old. Has anyone ever had a hen like this. The guy at the feed store told me they will grow out, this was when she was a chick, but now she is 6 mos.old and nothing. She is healthy and a good layer but I can't stand that poopy bottom and she smells all the time can I cut off all her feathers around her vent? Thank you for your suggestions. New at this but learning and loving it.
I've read posts on here where people trim their hens' feathers for the reason you describe. Never did this myself but others have said it works.
My Cochen Bantams are like that all fluff not really tail feathers, and yes I keep that fluff cut back to keep them clean. Just be careful when cutting don't want to nick the vent.
