Chicken Poop!

[ReykjaTavi]

I know this is a less than savory topic...

We introduced 3 buff orps to our flock last week. The chickens before had well...solid/semi-solid droppings. Now in the pen it looks like one or more chickens has diarrhea. It's diarrhea-colored and the consistancy of broccoli cheese soup. I'd hate to put all the blame on the Orps, but since they are the newest...

Can chickens get diarrhea? Does this mean they are sick, still adjusting to the new environment, or maybe because they'd rather eat plants than chicken feed? (One half of the pen has significant plant growth. I call it Little Vietnam and leave it so they have shade and snacks)

Thanks,

Amber

 

[BearSwampChick]

Did you quarantine your new birds before introducing them to your flock? If not, they may have transmitted something nasty; i.e., cocci.

 

[ReykjaTavi]

They were quarantined for 3 days, everything was normal then. They also roost seperately.

I forgot to add that both were vaccinated for Mareks and I think Newcastle.

 

[BearSwampChick]

I think birds are usually quarantined for a couple of weeks. Maybe you should take in a fecal sample and have it tested.