Blackhead/Pencil thin poop?

[AnthonyFlock]

I read a lot about poop lately because I found my NH red poop this this morning:

Still don't know if it's blackhead or not. Normal behavior (social and physical) as well as normal appetite but not normal poop. No blood anywhere and no one else acting funny. It's only 38 deg so it's not heat and I haven't noticed her drinking excessively. Not laying yet. Consistency is very thick, jelly like and more off white-white than yellow.

Anywho... I also noticed a BA poop this yesterday. Doesn't look very abnormal except it's pencil thin! I don't believe she's been pooping this thin for very long (although with 12 chickens, 2 dogs, 2 cats, and 3 kids it could have slipped by me). All of my birds are 24 weeks old, usually produce mondo poops, and in otherwise excellent health with top-notch food plus addition fermented feed. Could this be due to an obstruction? And, how do I check?

Thanks in advanced!

 

[casportpony]

I read a lot about poop lately because I found my NH red poop this this morning:


Still don't know if it's blackhead or not. Normal behavior (social and physical) as well as normal appetite but not normal poop. No blood anywhere and no one else acting funny. It's only 38 deg so it's not heat and I haven't noticed her drinking excessively. Not laying yet. Consistency is very thick, jelly like and more off white-white than yellow.

Anywho... I also noticed a BA poop this yesterday. Doesn't look very abnormal except it's pencil thin! I don't believe she's been pooping this thin for very long (although with 12 chickens, 2 dogs, 2 cats, and 3 kids it could have slipped by me). All of my birds are 24 weeks old, usually produce mondo poops, and in otherwise excellent health with top-notch food plus addition fermented feed. Could this be due to an obstruction? And, how do I check?


Thanks in advanced!

Both not normal. Could be many things... start by isolating both and increase their fluid intake by maybe making a mash out of their crumbles.

-Kathy

 

[AnthonyFlock]

Wow, you're on this! Lol thanks. I'm glad I asked because I can't find anyone else complaining about thin poop and the Internet is useless! Is there a sound way to check for an obstruction?

 

[casportpony]

Wow, you're on this! Lol thanks. I'm glad I asked because I can't find anyone else complaining about thin poop and the Internet is useless! Is there a sound way to check for an obstruction?

I don't want to scare you, but I have seen these skinny poops before and it always ends up needing treatment of some type. The conservative thing to do is to get more water in them.

-Kathy

 

[gonnyto2]

commenting so i can follow this thread.

 

[AnthonyFlock]

I don't want to scare you, but I have seen these skinny poops before and it always ends up needing treatment of some type. The conservative thing to do is to get more water in them. 

-Kathy

Information is priceless! I'd much rather know than keep my head in sand. In the other cases you've seen, what were the problems and resolutions?

 

[casportpony]

Quote: Hard to say for sure what the problem was 'cause I tend to treat with the shotgun approach, which means all were treated for worms, coccidia and bacterial infections. I think I remember one or two that didn't get better and their necropsies showed they had tumors that were restricting their intestines. Your's are probably too young for cancer, so my gut says one or more of the following:

• Dehydration - that's an easy fix
• Coccidiosis - also and easy fix with Corid
• Worms - Safeguard or Valbazen
• Bacteria - not an easy fix.

Honestly, it would be best if you could have a vet check the poop for worm egg, coccidia and bacteria.

-Kathy

 

[AnthonyFlock]

I think we'll be going that route to stay proactive and to avoid unnecessary medicating. Fortunately, we have a nearby fowl vet

Hopefully this inquiry will help someone else! I'll update it once we know. Thanks for all of your insight Kathy!

 

[casportpony]

I think we'll be going that route to stay proactive and to avoid unnecessary medicating. Fortunately, we have a nearby fowl vet

Hopefully this inquiry will help someone else! I'll update it once we know. Thanks for all of your insight Kathy!

You're welcome and good luck! Please update when you can.

-Kathy

 

[AnthonyFlock]

Great news!!! They're perfectly healthy! Vet cleared them in excellent health and said the white jelly like poo could be caused by the fermented feed and the skinny poop is "normal"
Whew!