cause of red droppings?

[kk454]

My husband I just got set up with a flock of 13 chickens (2 three year old hens and 11 newly laying pullets) of mixed heritage. They have a large coop and a large fenced foraging area.

Today, we noticed a few red droppings in the coop (see attached images). The droppings are a consistent red color throughout. All birds are active and alert. We've googled coccidiosis thinking that might be the cause, but we're new to raising chickens and would like a second opinion. Thanks!

 

[dwegg]

oh thanks for this...one of my girls has the exact same thing..new to chickens here and only had them for about 3-4 weeks. Someone has 'red' droppings so I am interested to hear if someone has any info.?

 

[redhen]

Cocci maybe??

 

[wasatusay]

not sure myself but found these posted here on BYC.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=123058

 

[PandoraTaylor]

Here is a link to normal poop pictures. sometimes the blood is just shed intestine lining and is perfectly normal!



http://www.chat.allotment.org.uk/index.php?topic=17568.0

 

[purpletree23]

Did you feed them anything red? My chickens poop changes color depending on what they eat. I don't think this is cocci.

 

[kk454]

We can't recall feeding them anything red, but they did gorge themselves on squash and some other vegetables they haven't had before yesterday. Another 8 hours have past since we first noticed this, and none of the birds appear to be sick. I went ahead and treated for cocci with Amprolium in the event I am wrong. We are going to clean out all straw bedding and droppings in the morning, and see if this was diet related. Thanks for the advice.