Poop build around lower feathers - 24 week Barred Plymouth Rock

[Montana-Hens]

Thanks for all the insight.

The poopectory has been my method of treatment.

With the onset of winter, sub-freezing nights and some days that are only freezing, water treatment isn't really the best option right now here in Montana. Because of this I don't feel I can do the wash/soak off treatment right now.

Here is my new method:

I have a special pair of gloves for poopectomy.

I wait until it is all dried. (We have very dry air, so it quickly becomes dehydrated poop)

I hold the BPR in my arms like she is special.

I roll the dirty feathers in my gloved hands and break it up and brush it out. It doesn't all come out but does take it back down to almost none. If she can get a dust bath in she looks great!

Thanks again for everyone's insight and thoughts. I appreciate them, and any other thoughts you might have.

 

[tiki244]

'Poop rocks' 'poopectomy' and now this!!!!!


Quote:
O My Goodness! this is

 

[nerfy]

Getting some serious words here!

Actually my gals have the same problem, and I do the same as Montana-Hens.

 

[yellowdragon]

I trim the feathers. even on chick who get pasty butt. It works better in the long run, because you do have keep washing them.

 

[Attack Chicken]

LOL a roo that cleans the girls tushys.!

I had to clean off my pullet the other day.

 

[Hooterville]

I am so glad you said that about poopy butt coming from not roosting!

I kept trying to figure out why my RIR Penney has such an unbecoming backside.

She's even had to visit the spa several times for a warm back end dunking. (She liked it more than I thought she would!)
Now I know its because she sleeps under the house with my dog. She doesn't roost so her fluffy bottom gets a bit pooped up!

 

[curly_kate]

I have a BPR with the exact same problem right now. She's acting totally fine, but I noticed today that her butt is a mess! I brought her in & cleaned her up with a warm, wet towel, although it still looks pretty bad. I noticed during the cleanup that she has white droppings that kinda leak out after the brown stuff (which looks normal). She's in the bathtub now, eating & drinking OK. So is the leaking a sign of a bigger problem, or just part of her unique chicken-ness?

Also, people have mentioned trimming the feathers. Is this something that's good to do in the winter? If it's OK, how far should I trim them? Her backside is a total mess, and I really don't want to have to keep cleaning her up.