Help. i am not sure what i'm missing but my girls have dirty butts. They are eating 22% layer pellets, free ranging and hour or two daily on mowed grass, enjoying blueberries, and a small amount of other treats, they really seem healthy...normal poo all around...just seems that they have poo constantly on their rears.. Surely this isn't normal... what am i doing wrong?
Do they have access to grit? If they're only on grass, they may not be able to pick up enough grit from their environment. You might try giving them fermented feed. Is it just a little poo, or are their heinies damp from it? If it's the latter, research "gleet".
It is normal for some chickens to have dirty butts. Once they get some on them it just gets worse. It is a good idea to get it off. It can burn the skin if left on. Usually a warm cloth will take it off, if it is just a little. If it is a lot, you might need to soak the butts. Or trim the feathers. (I trimmed) Imp- Good luck
