Chicken's eating poop

[Chickartforever]

So, we have four chickens, two to three years old. They got along fine. One ate the eggs for a little while, but we managed to make her stop. But now they are eating their own poop! Can I put pepper spray on the poop or something to discourage them? Help!

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

I will preface this with, I have no idea I am new here...

That being said the first thing that comes to mind is their feed, are they getting what they need?

The second thing that comes to mind is ewe, don't kiss them!

Chickens eat everything it seems

Gary from Idyllwild Ca here

 

[lazy gardener]

chickens sometimes do that. Many animals eat feces to recycle the nutrients left behind, and also to repopulate their guts with beneficial bacteria. Our medical profession is now wising up and using fecal transplants to cure difficult cases of C-Diff! But, I wonder if they are lacking some vital nutrients in their feed. Just b/c they are getting a balanced feed, it does not mean that all of their nutrient needs are being met. You might try putting them on a higher protein formulation, give them access to a compost pile, start doing deep litter in their coop and run, give them some animal protein. Try Poultry Nutri-Drench.

Pepper spray won't stop them. They don't have taste receptors for that.

 

[Chickartforever]

Ok, thanks! I'll try that!

 

[junebuggena]

What are you feeding?

 

[Chickartforever]

chickens sometimes do that. Many animals eat feces to recycle the nutrients left behind, and also to repopulate their guts with beneficial bacteria. Our medical profession is now wising up and using fecal transplants to cure difficult cases of C-Diff! But, I wonder if they are lacking some vital nutrients in their feed. Just b/c they are getting a balanced feed, it does not mean that all of their nutrient needs are being met. You might try putting them on a higher protein formulation, give them access to a compost pile, start doing deep litter in their coop and run, give them some animal protein. Try Poultry Nutri-Drench.

Pepper spray won't stop them. They don't have taste receptors for that.

Wouldn't they feel the pepper spray on their feet though?

 

[junebuggena]

Wouldn't they feel the pepper spray on their feet though?

Nope. They don't really have a whole lot of nerve receptors in the feet.

 

[AllynTal]

Egg eating is usually sign of lack of protein. If you are giving them a quality chicken feed, I'd ask what and how much you're giving them as 'treats'. Folks can over-treat their chickens so they aren't eating enough of their feed. It's like letting kids eating candy and junk food before dinner and then they don't eat enough 'good' food off the dinner plate.

 

[Chickartforever]

Well, we do give them meal worms occasionally. I might try to add more protein though...........seems like that might be the problem.