Scruffy looking hens and poopy butts!

[nipper75]

Hi! 2 questions:

1. My hens are just over a year old and are looking scruffy... Does this mean that they are molting?

2. Why are some chicken butts clean and others are a poopy mess? What can I do about this?

Thanks

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

They are probably molting.

What do you mean "a poopy mess"? Do they have diarrhea or is it just stuck to their butts?

 

[nipper75]

Hi! Sorry, I meant that the poop gets stuck in their feathers down there but only on a couple of the girls. The others are spotless!

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

I don't know. That happens to mine sometimes when they are sleeping on the floor and the poop has nowhere to go. Do you know where they sleep at night.

 

[nipper75]

yes, they roost

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

Hmmmm... It probably isn't a problem. It might also happen when their wings push their vent feathers in the way. Unless the smell of their poo makes you want to run 5 miles in the opposite direction and buy a gas mask, or is really "wet" for a very long time, you should be fine!

 

[dao1947]

If the poop is white and sticky it may mean something serious. If she appears lethargic with droopy wings and tail, comb pale or turning blue, and she is seperating herself from the flock she is definitely ill. I just had one of my hens die from a possible respritory illness. She also had white sticky poop on her fluff around her vent. She had been sneezing but other than that she was fine until the last two days when she went downhill fast. If you want to spend the money find a vet in your area that takes care of poultry etc.

 

[nipper75]

No, she isnt sick by any means... She's as perky as she was when she was born. I just think feathers are getting in the way... Thanks

 

[devora]

You can trim those pantaloons if you want.

 

[nipper75]

lol i've been trimming away... thanks