Older laying hen has normal behavior and same attitude, but tail is half-way down and a messy under area.

[Worriesandwonders]

Hello! I have an older laying hen, about 6 years old. She is acting completely normal by eating, drinking, and walking fine. She also has her same food-greedy attitude. However, last week, I noticed that tail hung a little lower than the other hens and her under-area feathers(sorry I forget what you call them) and covered in liquid, presumably feces. I'm wondering if this is just from old age or if she has a more serious problem like being egg-bound. I probably would've already diagnosed her by now, but the fact that her behavior is normal is really confusing me. Thanks!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello! I have an older laying hen, about 6 years old. She is acting completely normal by eating, drinking, and walking fine. She also has her same food-greedy attitude. However, last week, I noticed that tail hung a little lower than the other hens and her under-area feathers(sorry I forget what you call them) and covered in liquid, presumably feces. I'm wondering if this is just from old age or if she has a more serious problem like being egg-bound. I probably would've already diagnosed her by now, but the fact that her behavior is normal is really confusing me. Thanks!

I'm sorry no one has answered your thread sooner.
How is she today? Is she still laying?
Can you get a good clear picture of her backside now before cleaning her up?
I would then get her in for a soak and thoroughly clean up her fluff under her vent. Towel dry her then give her a blow dry until she is floofy again. Then pull the fluff away and get a good look at her vent with another picture of her cleaned up.
This sounds like vent gleet but pictures will help.