should i take to vet?

[lagondiechooks]

Hi - I have 4 RIR type hens around 8 months old (we have had them since one day old chicks) They all have very dirty bottom/vents, with bald raw patches behind the fluffy/dirty area But their droppings are normal. I thought at first it might be to do with coming into lay (they have been laying for about 1 month). They are not lethargic although one appears to 'waddle' more than the others - they are BIG birds and not very athletic.....they are eating and drinking well. Could it still be coccydiosis? or something else? thankyou.....

 

[chickens really]

Are they pecking each other's vent area? Any mites or lice?
What percentage is the protein in the feed?

 

[theoldchick]

So many things to consider. They could have vent gleet, a layman's term for yeast/fungal/bacterial infection of the vent area. Several things can cause this: internal parasites, lice, mites, diet, dirty/moist environment. If this is a simple case of yeast infection, you can wash, dry, clip the feathers around the vent (Careful! Don't cut the skin!) and monitor them for further problems. You can use cat flea shampoo or Dawn just be sure to thoroughly dry the bird. Or if you want an accurate answer take one of your chickens to a vet and get a more scientific answer to your problem.

I have a hen who suffers from chronic gleet. She is seven years old and gets a daily spray on the vent with anti-fungal spray-now don't laugh, it works-Jock Itch spray. Athlete's foot spray works, too. I keep her feathers clipped back to help with air flow. While I have not cured this bird, I have controlled the infection, and she seems happy with her life.

 

[lagondiechooks]

Are they pecking each other's vent area? Any mites or lice?
What percentage is the protein in the feed?

Hi - they aren't pecking at each other but have been scratching a bit so have dusted with mite powder. No obvious signs of mites or lice though. I have changed them from a 19% growers to a layers pellet...

 

[lagondiechooks]

So many things to consider. They could have vent gleet, a layman's term for yeast/fungal/bacterial infection of the vent area. Several things can cause this: internal parasites, lice, mites, diet, dirty/moist environment. If this is a simple case of yeast infection, you can wash, dry, clip the feathers around the vent (Careful! Don't cut the skin!) and monitor them for further problems. You can use cat flea shampoo or Dawn just be sure to thoroughly dry the bird. Or if you want an accurate answer take one of your chickens to a vet and get a more scientific answer to your problem.

I have a hen who suffers from chronic gleet. She is seven years old and gets a daily spray on the vent with anti-fungal spray-now don't laugh, it works-Jock Itch spray. Athlete's foot spray works, too. I keep her feathers clipped back to help with air flow. While I have not cured this bird, I have controlled the infection, and she seems happy with her life.

thanks - I can't see any signs of a discharge.....will worm them as well as they are probably due, but was waiting to see if I need to treat for coccidiosis first - do you think it could be? thank you!

 

[chickens really]

Most layers actually need 18% or higher protein..Less threats daily...I only feed Grower with oyster shell in a separate dish...I toss out treats once a week..I also limit free Range time..Two hours max daily ..

 

[rebrascora]

My mixed flock manage fine on 16% protein layer which is just as well, as trying to find anything higher here in the UK is difficult .... even grower is usually 16%. Chick crumb is 18% but usually medicated, so not suitable to mix in. As it is, I am quite happy that the 16% is readily available, economical and keeps them healthy and laying eggs but perhaps not quite at the rate of a commercial layer.... I'm OK with that, as I'm in it for the long run with my hens.

Can you post some photos of them, showing the problem and some photos of your set up ie coop and run. I would doubt it is coccidiosis as they should have developed a resistance/tolerance to it by that age and if their poop looks normal and they are eating and drinking and acting well, that would also discount it.

What do you feed them?
If they are carrying too much weight/fat it can cause them to soil themselves because the fat builds up in the abdomen between the legs and below the vent and instead of poop falling clear when they expel it, it catches in their feathers. The redness can occur when they try to preen themselves to clean it off. I would agree with trimming back their butt feathers and giving them a bath. If it was worms they would be struggling to maintain their weight, not be

BIG birds

Being over weight can lead to reproductive disorders as well as other health issues, so being able to assess their body condition and know what is healthy for a laying hen is important.....

..... I've just had a light bulb moment .....

.... these couldn't be red ranger meat birds could they?..... You say they are RIR type hens.... BIG birds, not athletic and one is having difficulty walking.... makes me wonder.....
Are they confined to a coop and run or free ranged. Do they eat a lot? How heavy are they.... can you weigh them? It might be a good idea to start monitoring their weight weekly.

 

[casportpony]

Hi - I have 4 RIR type hens around 8 months old (we have had them since one day old chicks) They all have very dirty bottom/vents, with bald raw patches behind the fluffy/dirty area But their droppings are normal. I thought at first it might be to do with coming into lay (they have been laying for about 1 month). They are not lethargic although one appears to 'waddle' more than the others - they are BIG birds and not very athletic.....they are eating and drinking well. Could it still be coccydiosis? or something else? thankyou.....

If you can afford a trip to the vet, I say go. Your vet could give them a thorough exam and check them for internal and external parasites, bacteria, and yeast.

 

[theoldchick]

thanks - I can't see any signs of a discharge.....will worm them as well as they are probably due, but was waiting to see if I need to treat for coccidiosis first - do you think it could be? thank you!

Can't really tell if it is coccidia unless a fecal test is performed by a veterinary professional.

 

[casportpony]

I read something interesting the other day., it said "Coccidiosis can be diagnosed by finding oocysts in fecal smears. In early stages of the disease, there may be very few oocysts being shed, and a negative test does not rule out the disease."