Yellow Sex-Linked Hen Loose Stools for About Two Weeks

[Rach and Rich]

My one year-old, yellow sex-linked hen, Goldie, has been having loose stools for a couple weeks. None of the six other hens of the same age are showing the poopy-butt sign: lots of gray and white, first just localized to her vent, but today it is spread out on her whole backside fluff.

I see no blood on her butt or in the poop. The loose poop I see on the ground has a lot of white in it, as well as gray. I will start inspecting it more closely.

Today her butt looks poopier that ususal. She is otherwise she seems to be acting normally.

I put garlic in their water for three days, which didn't seem to do anything for Goldie's situation. We always put a splash of apple cider vinegar in the water to prevent intestinal bugs.

If possible, I'd like to avoid treating whatever it is with drugs, preferring natural methods, but my top priority is to help her get better and keep the rest of the flock healthy. I'm happy to take her to the vet if needed.

The hen house had bedding of rice hulls and in the laying beds thin wood shavings. They are free range in the back yard much of the day.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

BackYard Chicken.com rocks!

Thank you in advance,

Rachael
Ashland, Oregon