poopy feathers

[stpaulchick]

my chickens have a lot of poop dried on to the feathers around their vents. what is the best way to clean it off?

 

[alicefelldown]

Do a search for Pasty Butt.

Easiest way, with less stress to the bird, would be to get a small bowl and fill with warm water. Let the chick stand in there till the poop loosens up and use a damp paper towel to 'clean' it off. Do this several times a day until you get it all off. I usually stop when they start shivering and let them back under the heat lamp.

Make sure you are giving them clean water - and don't worry - it happens to the best of us.

 

[chookchick]

If these are older hens that you are talking about (laying), you can "crumble" off a good part of it with your fingers. Then carefully clip back the feathers that are catching poo the most. Look carefully to make sure there are not "nits" from lice around the feathers near the vent--a favorite place. If they are having a lot of diarrhea that is causing this, you may want to look at worming and improving their diet. Are these hens otherwise healthy?