3 week old Araucanas/Americanas with diarrhea

[Kelticlady]

Hi,

I am new here and new at raising chicks.

I have 4 Araucanas/Americanas chicks that are 3 weeks old. While I was cleaning the cage this morning, I noticed that one of the chicks is having diarrhea. It is dark brown or rusty in color and smells a lot more than the regular droppings. I think it is only one chick but it might be two. I have no idea how many or how to know which one it is. I also need to know what to do about it! I am feeding them Purina Start and Grow only. I change their water once or twice a day, whenever it looks dirty or has something in it. I also keep the cage and food very clean.

Thanks in advance for any help you might have.
~Kieran

 

[chicklady63]

I've heard a little apple cider vinegar in their drinking water helps. I add it to all my birds' water (chicks and adults). They don't seem to mind the taste and drink it well. It helps keep them free of parasites too. I don't really measure just "eyeball" it, but maybe use a tablespoon in a gallon of water.
I do this with my dogs too (and myself sometimes).

Good luck!!

 

[mirecipes]

I hear yogurt is good for chickens too

There's even a thread here on BYC on how to make your own..
My gals love it

 

[Biddieacres]

They should be fine. It sounds like the cecal poo. It is about every 6 poos they do a cecal poo which is brown and runny and very smelly. I know when I walk into my coop if a hen just did one and I look around and sure enough. There it is! They only do this once in a while to clear the intestinal tract I believe. It is perfectly normal.

Oh, and welcome to BYC. You will learn so much here. It is a great place.

 

[silkiechicken]

Welcome! I think you've just experienced cecal poo! A good reason to not let the chicks learn to jump up on you, the last thing you want before heading to work is a cecal poo foot print stamp on your shoulder.

 

[Biddieacres]

Not a good way to start the day!

 

[Kelticlady]

Thanks so much everyone for your help! I am pleased to find out that I shouldn't have to take the chicks to the vet. I will however try the vinegar and or yogurt in the future. Again, thanks for your help!