Omlet cube and run

[good_egg]

I've just noticed Connie has dirty kickers again! I spent ages last weekend cleaning them, now they are even worse. She (and the rest) have been frontlined and flubenvetted. They get a small handful of corn most days, but not all. They get out to FR most vending a for an hour or so and are fed garvo alfamix. I noticed her eggshells were a little bit thin last weekend but haven't used any since (saving for tomorrow's brekkie). Any ideas?

[Chicken deficient]

As a starting point, you could try various 'home' remedies:

 

- some live yoghurt (I mix oats or corn into it, to make it easier for them to eat)

- apple cider vinegar (unpasteurised, with the mother) added to their water

- bokashi bran (also contains beneficial gut bacteria) added to their food

- specific probiotics, eg Avipro

 

All of the above should help normalise her digestion, if there is nothing too serious causing the problems.

I'd also physically check her back end - does her vent look normal, (no lumps or swellings), and also check that her abdomen is not swollen.

 

If the above doesn't sort it out, you could consider sending away a faecal sample for analysis or taking her to a chicken vet to get to the bottom of it. . Sorry!

[The Dogmother]

One of my older hens has dirty pants most of the time, there's absolutely nothing wrong with her, just a small amount of discharge. She gets washed a couple of times a month, more in the hot weather.

[Lavenders_Blue]

I have an older hen who also gets a dirty botty, not helped by the fact that she sleeps in the nest box and therefore in her own poo She's a crafty henny too, going to bed about 20 mins before the others every night to make sure she secures her nest box position!

 

Like DM, I wash her when needed, or I try to tease the dried bits out with my fingers if I can... Slightly gross but usually easier than washing!

[sandyhas3chucks]

i have this problem too (not personaly ) I find that a washing up brush (bought just for this ) is useful for brushing it out. Use a bit of water with baby shampoo in.

[good_egg]

Thanks. One looks a bit better but the other one just the same! Bath time on Saturday. Got to have them clean to move into the WIR!!!