Diarrhea?

[staceyl]

I noticed some runny poo from at least one, maybe 2 of my my four chickens today. In the absense of any other symptoms, is this something to be concerned about? They are about 4 months old. Thanks.

 

[threehorses]

It is a symptom, and yes.

Could you please answer the questions in the second sticky of the forum, but answer it here? that way we can more accurately help you.

It might be something small. Start off by feeding them some probiotics like plain unflavored yogurt, 1 teaspoon per bird, in a wet mash in the morning - just enough for them to eat quickly. You could use more yogurt than that to assure that they all get their teaspoon.

Do that daily for a week, whether or not more symptoms occur.

We'll wait for your other answers.

 

[staceyl]

Sorry, didn't notice that. Here goes:

1) What type of bird , age and weight. - well, I have 4 and I'm not sure where the runniness is coming from - just noticed 2 spots on my patio after they were running around. They are all about 4 months old - one RIR roo, 1 buff orbington hen, 1 barred rock hen, 1 EE hen. I don't have a clue how much they weigh. Are you supposed to weigh a chicken?

2) What is the behavior, exactly. Nothing unusual that I can see - they seem healthy and happy, just runny poo.

3) Is there any bleeding, injury, broken bones or other sign of trauma. No

4) What happened, if anything that you know of, that may have caused the situation. No idea, unless its diet? I do give them lots of kitchen scraps and garden waste.

5) What has the bird been eating and drinking, if at all. Just the normal grower feed + kitchen scraps and whatever they find in the yard. I did happen to have some white rice left over from dinner last night and gave that to them this morning. Could that be it?

6) How does the poop look? Normal? Bloody? Runny? etc. Brown and runny, no blood.

7) What has been the treatment you have administered so far? None - not sure if its an issue.

8 ) What is your intent as far as treatment? For example, do you want to treat completely yourself, or do you need help in stabilizing the bird til you can get to a vet? I'm hoping that its just a diet issue. I will try the yogurt - thanks.

9) If you have a picture of the wound or condition, please post it. It may help. Nope, should have taken a pic, but its probably dry now. HOnestly if it hadn't happened on the patio I probably wouldn't have noticed it.

10) Describe the housing/bedding in use. Pine shavings from the pet store.

 

[gritsar]

Brown, runny poop that looks like - excuse me here - melted chocolate is often cecal poo and nothing to worry about. It happens every 6 to 10 movements, depending on which source you consult.
You can check here to see if what you are noticing is cecal poo:

http://www.chat.allotment.org.uk/index.php?topic=17568.0

 

[staceyl]

Weren't THOSE fun pics to look at.

What I saw definitely looked like the "watery" poo. It wasn't that hot today - maybe high 70s, but it was definitely the hottest part of the day. I had just taken off my sweater when I saw it. I can't imagine they aren't getting enough to eat since I just leave the feeder out all the time. Any other thoughts?
Stacey

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Oops, forgot to warn ya about the graphic pics....sowwy.

Honestly I see all kinds of poop from my chickens on a day to day basis. In the absence of any symptoms of illness, I try not to worry too much. As you can see from those *graphic* pics, the range of normal is wide.

 

[staceyl]

No worries. I was just amused by them. Especially since I was looking at them in a meeting at work. Hope no one was peeking over my shoulder.