Chicks with Runny Stools

[Sk8inChick(en)]

Hello chicken experts!


So my chicks are about 4 weeks old and I noticed today that when I had them out, their do-do was really runny and it smelled, more so than usual.

I have noticed this before in my chicks, but since they are given medicated feed (Amprolium), I figured it was nothing to worry about. I thought I should see what some other people think, though.


Thank you so much!!

 

[kmatt87]

i'm not sure. i'm a newbie. But i have a couple that do this too. They are on unmedicated feed, in pine bedding.....

 

[bigbird]

One of mine is doing the same thing. I wish that someone with knowledge and experience would answer your thread.

 

[WI FarmChick]

Well I am no expert but here is my 2 cents......

This is for future reference. I have this page booked marked.
http://www.chat.allotment.org.uk/index.php?topic=17568.0

My first question would be are they too hot and drinking a lot. Can they get out.... away from their heat lamp, then go to it as needed?

I also don't use "store bought" feed...so I have not had this problem or Pasty butt either.

sorry I couldn't be more help. But here is a bump.
Good luck.

 

[Aeropennchick]

That poop chart was my greatest discovery after I got my chicks. I thought they were all sick but it turned out to be the ceacal poops, totally normal! I hope that's what you guys are seeing!

 

[Beekissed]

Sorry...can't help you with the runny poops in chicks as I've never had it for all these many years and chicks. This is why....

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...osis-and-other-poultry-diseases-in-chicks-acv

 

[AnserMater]

Hey there!

I've had much success in curing this problem by supplementing their water with an Electrolyte and Probiotic formula. It more than likely has to do strictly with their digestive tract (but can also be caused by stress), and they probably consumed some sort of bacteria. Growing chickens require lots more food than usual, and peck at pretty much anything they can fit in their beaks (and also things they can't, but try to). Most bacteria is not fatal but can cause digestive problems. In my experience (rehabilitating wild birds and working as a zookeeper), this happens more frequently in hotter climates where bacteria can breed very rapidly. I try to keep my house and coop clean, and that also helps prevent this problem.

Good luck!

 

[Sk8inChick(en)]

Thank you for all your responses! Everyone here is so helpful!

I'm not sure what to do about it other than give them a supplement in their water (which I haven't tried as of yet). We try to keep the brooder pretty clean. Usually, it gets cleaned daily and rarely goes more than two days without, so I'm just not sure why this is. I know it isn't coccidia because of the medicated feed, and I don't knwo what else it could be.

I've heard of adding vinegar to their water for bacteria control, is that something I should do?


Again, thank you for all your help!!

 

[Aeropennchick]

I don't think you are supposed to add the apple cider vinegar and the electrolytes both to the water.

 

[Beekissed]

Let me give you a tip. From everything I've read on here over the years, the medicated feed isn't always a good preventative for coccidia....I've seen several posts where the chicks get it anyway.

If you are going to use the ACV, please make sure it is the unpasteurized vinegar with the cultures(the mother)intact or it won't do much for your chick's bowel cultures at all. It will act like an electrolyte replacement and will help them in that aspect but it won't reculture their bowels or guard against coccidia.

And, yes, you can use the ACV and the electrolytes in their water at the same time...won't hurt a thing.