Cecal poo

[mstkseavey]

Is this cecal poo? I have 2 hens that are about 13-14 weeks old. I have noticed a few piles of this orangish poo in my run.

 

[Haehnchen1]

That most certainly is. That's the one that you want to avoid...stinks to high Heaven!

 

[mstkseavey]

And the purpose of this poo is to empty the intestines of the bacteria? And basically the hens do it all the time on a regular basis? Correct?

 

[centrarchid]

Cecal poo is different because it comes from the cecum (what our appendix used to be) that processes some of the more fibrous components of ingesta (what is consumed). The fibrous material is diverted into the blind sac / cecum where a variety of microbes assist with break down of plant and arthropod derived fibers (cellulose / lignins / chitin). Your bird likely consumes largely a grain based diet which makes for a smellier version of what is already likely to be smelly. If your bird consumed more vegetable matter the cecal poo would usually appear darker almost like tobacco juice.

 

[mstkseavey]

Does it matter what kind if diet the hens consume? I mean I so try and gie them grasses, flowers, fruits, veggies, a seed/grain scratch and of course the crumbles.

 

[centrarchid]

Some individuals are simply more partial to the chicken feed. To get more intake of green plants you can restrict the amount of feed offered but that is best done with free-range birds. Then they will greatly increase the amount of plant material consumed.

 

[mstkseavey]

I offer up a variety of greens to them daily. And lots of different veggies as well. I grow flowers especially for them too! I only give them these things after I am sure they have eaten well from the feeder in the morning. And occasionally I handful of scratch. Is there anything that you would do differently? Just looking for the healthiest diet for my girls.

 

[centrarchid]

Your feeding regimen appears sound. For your situation it may well be the best. For me feed costs are extremely important and I have the resources to allow free-range keeping. I do not know if appearance of cecal poo has impact on health of birds although I think birds ingesting more greens and bugs have higher quality lives based on appearance and physical abilities.

 

[mstkseavey]

I cannot let my girls run the yard. Although they do have a large run. I do BUG HUNT for them and bring them bugs. I also harvest grass and clover for them every day. I hope my girls are healthy and happy. They are growing big and have very shiny feathers!

 

[mstkseavey]

Is the cecal poo a sign of their diet? I mean does it tell what is lacking or what is good in their diet? If they have more cecal poo does that tell me something? Or less cecal poo tell me something? You know they say poo is all telling! Poo definitely tells a story!