This is gross, but I need to know what to do!!!

[MakNat]

I feel really horrible that I let it get this bad. I have a very large hansome Cochin roo, Hoss. I noticed that his vent area was starting to look dirty. So this morning I picked him up to look and to clean him a bit. Well with his big pom-pom tail it hid alot! His poor feathers back there are matted with poop and all dried up and crusty. And very hard. His skin is bright red. At this point I'm not sure if soap and water will take care of it and alot of soap and water it would be. Is it safe to cut the feathers off or even pluck them and put antibiotic cream there. I know that would be painful... But I would docter him 2x a day or what ever it takes.. Any suggestions please... Its my fault that I let it get this bad... I feel like a total jerk. Poor Hoss...

 

[Chickenaddict]

Awww poor hoss

I would soak him in the tub for about 10 minutes, soaking will loosen up all the poo and you can pull it off. After you get it all off trim the feathers around the vent so it doesn't collect there again. I have a few hens of various breeds that happens to every once in awhile. They are so small all I have to do is rinse their rear under a faucet. Cochins are soooo fluffy it's easy for them to hide things like that. antibiotic cream on his rear wouldn't hurt any either.


ETA you will probably want to blow dry him as well before putting him back outside so he doesn't get chilled.

 

[MakNat]

Oh Thanks!! I've never seen it this bad. He is such a sweetie, it will be fun giving him a soak. He just loves attention!! I can't wait to see the look on my DH's face when he sees him sitting in the bathroom sink! Hahahaa!!