The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: caracroft on October 18, 2013, 09:44:52 am

Title: Dirty feathers on poorly hen
Post by: caracroft on October 18, 2013, 09:44:52 am

Hi all,

i have had one chicken out of sorts for a few days, looking a bit miserable and messy bum - put them all on Verm-X and she is picking up now, whether a coincidence or not I dont know.

But her feathers round her bum are still messy and I cant get them clean, anyone else cleaned their chicken successfully?  What is safe to use, as water just doesnt touch it?

Thanks

Title: Re: Dirty feathers on poorly hen
Post by: Clansman on October 18, 2013, 04:45:28 pm

How bad are they?

If too dirty it might be worth just cutting them off?

Title: Re: Dirty feathers on poorly hen
Post by: HesterF on October 18, 2013, 11:29:58 pm

Verm-X has nothing of any medical use in it - best to worm them properly.

I just crop their feathers back if they start to get too messy. If she hasn't moulted yet, she'll replace them all soon anyway,

H

Title: Re: Dirty feathers on poorly hen
Post by: chrismahon on October 19, 2013, 05:35:13 am

We use Flubenvet for worming Caracroft because Verm-X is ineffective. With Orpingtons we are regularly washing dirty feathers and use baby shampoo. But light feathers will stain permanently unfortunately -a problem with letting birds range and eat anything.

Title: Re: Dirty feathers on poorly hen
Post by: caracroft on October 20, 2013, 11:32:12 am

Thank you for all for your advice - will get some wormer.

Sadly found the chicken dead this morning - The others seem fine but will keep a close eye on them!

Title: Re: Dirty feathers on poorly hen
Post by: HesterF on October 20, 2013, 08:52:06 pm

 :( Do watch the others - sounds like more than worms were at play though so at least you don't need to beat yourself up about that. Still best to worm them but keep your fingers crossed for the others. Was she sick in any other way than just a dirty bum?

H

Title: Re: Dirty feathers on poorly hen
Post by: caracroft on October 21, 2013, 01:45:57 pm

Hi Hester, I agree - she just looked a bit sorry for herself for a few days I checked her all over and the rest of her feathers were perfect as were her legs, but her comb was pale and she had the messy bum, I still saw her eating and drinking then she worsened really quickly.  I isolated her with feed and water but the next day she was dead.

Re-cleaned the house, drinker etc using Virkon S just in case  and checking the others every day but all ok so far, all combs bright red and erect and all  feathers perfect - and getting 9/10 eggs a day from 11 chickens which Im really pleased with.

 :fc: it was something unique to her and not catching.

Cara