Soggy bottom, missing feathers.

[davefendley]

It's seems that since I got our chucks everyone in the village thinks I'm the expert, must be all the info I get from BYC lol. Anyhow Sue asked me to dust her chucks for lice and asked me "why does one of my girls have missing feathers and a soggy bottom? I had a look whilst dusting her and could not see any lice but her bottom was very wet and messy, I haven't got a clue so I said I'd ask you guys.
Thanks in advance,
Dave

 

[Eggcessive]

The bare chest area could be from laying down on her chest in wet bedding, feathers picked out by her or others, which could be a sign of going broody. Is she walking and standing okay, or does she lie down mostly? The wet bottom can again be from lying in wet bedding or leakage from her vent. Look and smell the vent area. Some have reported hens who later were found to have a fluid -filled cyst inside had a soggy bottom. Vent gleet, an infection of the GI tract, can also cause malodorous seepage from the vent.

 

[davefendley]

Thanks for the fast response, She has dry bedding but is the broodiest of flock so might be on the right track there, she is acting normal I.e walking and standing okay not laying down any more than normal

. What should the vent smell like a assume if infected will smell rank? We will clean her and pop on a bit of Vaseline to help her, is there any medication anyone could recommend if we suspect an infection?

 

[Eggcessive]

Can you examine the lower abdomen to see if it is full and swollen? Vent gleet would cause foul smelling droppings. It would also cause red bare areas with white or yellow patches, and a continuous discharge. Probiotics in the water may help, and a regular vet may be able to prescribe an antifungal such as Nystatin or fluconazole. Some will put apple cider vinegar in the water at a higher than usual amount of an ounce per gallon of water which can lower the pH or make the intestinal tract acidic.

 

[davefendley]

Top man thanks, we will be trying all of above.

 

[davefendley]

I gave her a good old clean up a couple of days ago for my neighbour and the good news is there is no swelling or tenderness, her vent is clean with no signs of infection in fact she seems quite chipper and loved her bath, we'll keep a good eye on her.
BTW will feathers grow back?

 

[Eggcessive]

Yes, the feathers will eventually grow back. If it doesn't, then try some bad tasting ointment or cream on the area. Menthol-based ointments, or a sulfur powder mixed with pine oil can be used as an antipeck lotion. Oldtimers used pine tar or Stockholm tar for this purpose, but it can be messy.