Chicken Poo Q's

[coocooforchicks]

Just curious, I'm new to raising chickens so bare with me....why is it that all the poop in my chicken coop is a soft, healthy brown and white looking color. But when there free ranging or not enclosed in their coop, its runny and a gross brownish color? Is that normal? It doesnt horribly stink, its not a green or yellow color. I just find it strange. Any suggestions?

Thanks everyone!!

 

[Michael Apple]

They eat different things on range they are not accustomed to, or eat too much of something that may create watery droppings. Keeping a good quality probiotic dispersible powder on hand like Probios, using it a couple times a week in drinkers will help keep their intestinal tract strong. Vitamin-electrolyte powder is also beneficial during periods of stress/extreme weather, and helps keep the immune systems strong. I use it 3 days a week in drinkers. Different dosages apply to different brands, so be sure to use the correct dosages.

Depending on your climate and soil conditions, it would also be a good idea to be sure and deworm birds before breeding season, before oncoming moult, or if you see increased appetites and weight loss. Albendazole, Oxfendazole, and Fenbendazole are all very effective broad spectrum anthelmintics which can be safely used for deworming chickens.

 

[Michael Apple]

I don't want to neglect mentioning that coccidiosis, bacteria like Costridium, in addition to intestinal worms are also problems to remain aware of, but not dread. Here is a brief discussion regarding these problems which can cause enteritis:
http://poultryhealthtoday.com/necrotic-enteritis-search-silver-bullet/

Here's another document containing helpful info regarding enteritis. One fact I find absent in the article are the benefits of probiotic supplementation:
http://www.poultryindustrycouncil.ca/pdfs/factsheets/fs_106.pdf

 

[coocooforchicks]

Wow I'm glad I asked, thank you both very much for the tips I'll get right on that I defiantly don't want any kind of intestional parasites, my dogs are de wormed so I know their okay but any other critters that roam the yard aren't. Thank you both!

 

[medic lynny]

Chicks have mult. Normal poops some pretty brown loose snd stinky...there is a poop chart just google chicken poop chart....you will be amazed and the fear of bad poop will be gone lol it helped me!

 

[coocooforchicks]

I just ordered some probios and a de wormer! I sometimes add a little bit of apple cider viniger to their water, I heard that helps too, plus my hens love the taste.