wet, white stuff coming out of vent area, feathers in area wet/matted

[amystoddard]

One of my laying hens has wet/matted feathers around her vent and white, wet stuff coming out of her. I am brand new to chickens - I got four laying hens two weeks ago! After reading, it sounds like my first step would be to wash the area and try to feel for a stuck egg. What do you think? Any suggestions?

 

[gallusdomesticus]

The white stuff is most likely the white 'urine' that caps the birds droppings. Birds get runny poop from time to time and are perfectly healthy. It's probably nothing to worry about. As long as she is eating and drinking normally and doesn't exhibit any other symptoms such as shortness of breath, discolored comb, swollen belly, etc., I'd just ignore it. If it bothers you, you can give her a bath in warm water in a bucket.