Bloody Poop in 16 Week Old Pullets. Normal, or not?

[ame0910]

Hi Everyone
So long story short yesterday I went to take care of my chicken chores and saw a bloody mess under one of my roosting bars instead of poop. Not to be too graphic, but it looking like a small amount of normal poop mixed with a lot of raspberry jelly. I didn’t think to grab a picture of it, but I did some research and ran to the store to get some CORID, thinking it might be an early sign of coccidiosis? Wondering if anyone with more experience might have any ideas what it could be before I assume and just medicate? For more info I have 7 chickens (6 pullets, 1 rooster) that are just shy of 17 weeks old. They are free range, but are provided with grit and food (I was recommended to put them on an 18% laying feed at this age by my local farm supply store). The breeds are mixed, with some sex-linked black layers, ISA brown, SLW, and a barred rock. They are all acting normal, combs look good and I’ve witnessed them all eating and drinking multiple times since I saw the first unusual dropping. In addition, I did a basic health check on all chickens including the rooster to be safe and saw nothing of concern. And this could be unrelated but I’ll list it because it’s my first time with chicken keeping lol. One of the pullets comb has gotten very red in the past week or so, and there has been a sudden interest in one of the nesting boxes. Hay is scratched everywhere and it looks like someone might have been sitting in it before I let them out this morning? Not sure if the blood could be related to early egg laying or egg laying issues? Any help would be appreciated!
Sincerely, a slightly scared new chicken mama

 

[azygous]

That pictured poop itself looks normal. Coccidia poop is usually loose, trending toward diarrhea. And blood in poop can be caused by a broken blood vessel. Absent changes in behavior with noticeable lethargy, a single poop with blood should just be watched for more appearing.

Since you are new to chickens, a good way to tell if a chicken is feeling sick is to show a treat to her. If she reacts with disinterest instead of immediate excitement, she's not feeling well. Feel the crop before roosting time. If the crop isn't full, the chicken has no appetite and this is a sign of possible illness.

 

[MROO]

It's not panic-time, but it is a reminder to be prepared. Every chickeneer should have Corid (amprolium) on hand. When (generally not "if") you end up dealing with coccidiosis, it's a must-have in your first aid/emergency kit.