One of my hens seems to have a dried peice of poop covering her vent

[MaidMariHen]

I have a black sexlink hen who currently seems to have a dried piece of poop covering her vent. She seems to be in distress, and is trying to lay. She's eating and drinking normally. What should I do?

 

[ButtonHoarder]

Is it soft enough to just pick off? Or maybe take a paper towel with warm water and try to soften it?

 

[Aapomp831]

Get a bucket and fill it with warm water and dawn dish soap.... the concentrated soap will help break up the poop and wash it away gently. You can soak her right in the bucket. Just make sure it’s a warm day and you do it somewhat early so she has time to dry before bedtime.