Coral urates in overnight poop

[SusiesPeeps]

For the past week I've been finding some chicken poop in the coop under the roosts with coral urates (see photo). I've read up on this condition, including past posts here at BYC, and most seem to say this is normal and likely due to the shedding of the intestinal lining. Poop found during the day in the runs is totally normal with white urates. None of my 5 hens is looking ill in any way - all eating and drinking normally and none isolating. My concern comes from the fact that I sent this photo to a bird vet I sometimes call upon and he thought this poop looked very odd. When I told him about what I've read regarding intestinal shedding, he said the urates have nothing to do with the intestines and that the urate color suggests a possible kidney problem. One of the chicken "experts" wrote an article claiming that any vet center will do a fecal float test - even if they don't regularly see chickens. So far, none of the vet centers in my area will do one - so that's that. Anyone else seen this?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

My concern comes from the fact that I sent this photo to a bird vet I sometimes call upon and he thought this poop looked very odd.

One of the chicken "experts" wrote an article claiming that any vet center will do a fecal float test - even if they don't regularly see chickens. So far, none of the vet centers in my area will do one - so that's that. Anyone else seen this?

Since you have a Vet that you consult, can they not test a sample of poop for you?

Any Vet can do a fecal float test, it's just that many are not willing to do so on chicken poop for whatever reason.

If all birds are acting happy, healthy, active, eating/drinking, etc. then personally I wouldn't worry about the Coral urates.

 

[Eggcessive]

In some articles I have read is that it might be common at night, but you could seek a fecal float from a vet if more occur.

 

[SusiesPeeps]

Sorry for the delay. Thanks so much for your reply. The vet I spoke to is semi-retired and I send photos of things when they come up. He comes to my house once a year to do an overall flock check, but I'm going to see if I can travel to the vet hospital where he works on occasion. Would be good to know the result, though I can't figure out yet which hen is laying this kind of poop. Again, none of the hens are behaving abnormally. I appreciate your response!