Rooster with "yucky" vent area- is he sick?

[Love my Critters!]

I have had Romeo, my white silkie roo, for about 1 year now. I do not know how old he was when I got him. He has always kept himself looking tip-top shape for his ladies. The last week and a half, he has had a very nasty vent area that goes all the way down his backside. I had fed some veggies and watermelon so I though that was the cause, but it hasn't gotten better, and he won't clean it like usual. He seems to be doing everything else normal, eating, drinking, caring for his ladies, etc. Do you thing something is wrong with him? Should I bathe him? Please, I'll take any advice.
Thanks!!

 

[lilchick]

If he's not acting sick I would just keep an eye on him...
If it is too chilly for a bath use baby wipes to clean him up.
they work great and make them smell good too!

 

[Anne]

Some chickens have chronic "poopy butt" for no apparent reason. It may help to give him a bath occasionally, and trim some of his butt-feathers shorter so the poop doesn't dribble on them.

Keep a close eye on him though -- sometimes diarrhea in a bird that didn't have "poopy butt" issues previously can be an indication that something is wrong. If other symptoms appear, pay attention, as he may be ill.