Broody or ill?

[Megber13]

Not sure which one is doing this but Im assuming it is my largest hen, a buff orp, who is a pig with any fruits and veggies...is this normal diarrhea from overindulgence or cause for alarm?
Thank you/apologies for the graphic pic

 

[nuthatched]

How's her crop feel? Cut out fruits and veggies for a few days to see what happens. They don't need them too often anyway.

 

[azygous]

Broody poop is normal except for quantity. A broody turd is ten times larger than a normal poop.

If the poop continues to be watery, it's not from fruit and veggies. It may be infection, especially if you notice a hen behaving lethargically.

 

[Megber13]

How's her crop feel? Cut out fruits and veggies for a few days to see what happens. They don't need them too often anyway.

I am very new to chickens...these 4 are my first. I believe the crops to be normal, though Im not confident in my palpation skills. The watery bouts do appear more often when theyre indoors (or just easier to see?) and given "treats" to ward off boredom and distract from broodiness...I give them a handful of scratch when its colder bc Ive read the digestion of it produces more heat. Otherwise it is something hung up for "fun"...bok choy, green cabbage (they will not touch purple cabbage?), fresh herbs from the produce section, maybe* some kind of melon (I try not to do fruits). Overnight, their poo collection under the roosts are always clean and dry, so it is a little hard to narrow down. They have access to feed and water 24/7, treats are only morning or mid day if at all.
I also add acv to their water roughly once a week...but haven't witnessed any over drinking so the watery stool must be the watery treats? I will cut it out and more closely monitor...is there a solid clue to tell broodiness/nest box sitting vs lethargy?
MANY THANKS for your prompt responses.

 

[fluffycrow]

Usually, a broody will make a very distinct screeching sound, will puff up, and may even peck you if you go near the nest. Walking around they tend to be a little puffy, and make a clucking sound. Another sign is sleeping in the nest. Lastly, some of the abdomen feathers might be missing. Those are just some general rules, that doesn't mean that all broodies will behave like that

Broody poops are usually just larger normal poops, not watery

 

[nuthatched]

I am very new to chickens...these 4 are my first. I believe the crops to be normal, though Im not confident in my palpation skills. The watery bouts do appear more often when theyre indoors (or just easier to see?) and given "treats" to ward off boredom and distract from broodiness...I give them a handful of scratch when its colder bc Ive read the digestion of it produces more heat. Otherwise it is something hung up for "fun"...bok choy, green cabbage (they will not touch purple cabbage?), fresh herbs from the produce section, maybe* some kind of melon (I try not to do fruits). Overnight, their poo collection under the roosts are always clean and dry, so it is a little hard to narrow down. They have access to feed and water 24/7, treats are only morning or mid day if at all.
I also add acv to their water roughly once a week...but haven't witnessed any over drinking so the watery stool must be the watery treats? I will cut it out and more closely monitor...is there a solid clue to tell broodiness/nest box sitting vs lethargy?
MANY THANKS for your prompt responses.

Broody hens turn into "angry fluffy pancakes", they'll growl, fluff up and bite when you disturb them. eyes closed, pale comb, and sitting hunched back are signs of illness.
it's best to avoid entirely food-based boredom busters, a bale of straw broken up or a heap of leaves will give them a load of entertainment, just throw a hand full of scratch in it.
Scratch does nothing for heat, it's a myth though it won't hurt them in small amounts.
Broodiness is a hormone thing, you can't stop it or bring it on.
What is their feed? brand in type? A vitamin boost won't hurt.

 

[azygous]

What chickens eat can certainly affect their poop. My chickens have been eating raw squash all morning and the poop all looks exactly like that in your photo. The key to knowing when to be concerned is if it is consistently watery when they aren't being fed veggies and fruit with high water content.

 

[Mrs. K]

I think you are worrying about nothing too important. Their poops will change with temperature, water, exercise, spring growth and differences in feed. All animals poops change a bit nearly every day.

I do not do boredom busters, but I do give whatever scraps collected through the day. I also feed a little scratch and good quality laying feed. I really just don't fret it. My girls often get out and do some digging.

If your birds are bright eyed, active, and laying, there really is nothing wrong with them.

Mrs K

 

[Megber13]

Broody hens turn into "angry fluffy pancakes", they'll growl, fluff up and bite when you disturb them. eyes closed, pale comb, and sitting hunched back are signs of illness.
it's best to avoid entirely food-based boredom busters, a bale of straw broken up or a heap of leaves will give them a load of entertainment, just throw a hand full of scratch in it.
Scratch does nothing for heat, it's a myth though it won't hurt them in small amounts.
Broodiness is a hormone thing, you can't stop it or bring it on.
What is their feed? brand in type? A vitamin boost won't hurt.

I worry theyll eat the straw and end up with crop issues...three of the four are quail sized, very little ladies. But I will try that...
I have them on Nutrena NatureWise Hearty Hen pellets as of Aug-Sept when they started laying. They are all laying daily still and it is winter here. They are very social and friendly, they are handled very often. She does give an annoyed squeal but doesnt try to bite when I move her out of the box...she *snaps out of it* and seems to be super hungry/thirsty then wants to go back to the box. Her belly/chest feathers are gone now too. Her comb is a nice red, though a little droopy. I may try to get a decent pic

 

[Mrs. K]

Oh - well that does sound like a broody:

• snaps out of the trance
• feathers from chest gone
• growling, squealing