Rooster with downward growing tail feathers

[Mmudge]

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone has any experience with a rooster who's tail feathers are growing down. I noticed last week he had gnats flying around his back side and he was laying down a lot. I lifted up his tail and found a large golf ball sized mass of built up poop attached to the feathers right under his anus. I removed it with mineral oil and washed the area with iodine just in case. I am noticing the gnats are back again and I am wondering if I should clip off his droopy tail feathers? He's only 3 months old and never really had much of a tail to begin with. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[CluckerCottage]

Yes, you can clip the poop problem feathers off.
I have this issue with my BR hens. Lots of butt fluff and they sure can accumulate lots of poop in a short while.
I am a nervous Nellie regarding fly strike so I keep them all clipped and clean.

Check his butt very well for maggots and more junk since you say he's being messed with by gnats. Is there a rotten odor?
Fly strike is a nightmare- I don't wish that for anyone!

 

[Mmudge]

I did not see any maggots or notice any not normal foul odor, I think I caught it in time luckily. He got a nice little hair do job yesterday and appears to be helping so far, no messy feathers I can see. Thank you for your help I'm new to chickens this year and having hatched them myself I get nervous when I see things a bit off.

 

[CluckerCottage]

Ok, glad things are looking up!
Best wishes.

 

[aart]

Does he have a normal tail anatomy...wonders if he's a rumpless cross?