Vents

[Chad N Rose]

Hey guys I just have a general question for yas. We are new to the world of chickens and got our three hens about a month ago. On of them was injured and most of the tail feathers are gone so that you can clearly see her vent. I am wondering if it is normal for their vent to always be open. Hers is open about 1/2 an inch. Just wondering if I should be concerned about that.

Thanks,

Chad

 

[Eggcessive]

Some hens vents will be more relaxed or loose than others, but most have closed vents. If one lays very over-sized eggs as some production birds do, they can damage the cloaca. When chickens peck each other sometimes they can damage the vent. Also sometimes they will have a prolapsed vent which shows reddish tissue that other chickens will attack and peck causing vent damage. You could post a close-up picture that may show us more of what you are seeing for help.