Dog attack/Nuclear poop

[ckhd]

Day before yesterday, my neighbor's dogs (once again) visited my flock. The cops were called and I thoroughly bitched out my neighbor about leash laws and that if I saw their dog again, it would be killed.

Anyways, they were able to get ahold of three hens. One was just slightly plucked, no injuries. I don't know what to call the Alpha hen (I have no rooster), but she got the worst of it. I'm pretty sure she fought the dogs so the other girls could escape. She's pretty tore up, but seems to be improving. Surprisingly, she layed an egg yesterday on my bathroom floor, but she's not out of the woods yet.

The one I'm asking about is the older Buff Orpington, "Buffy" I asked about here https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/snotty-chicken.1272741/. She got tore up a little bit, on the outside, she looks the worst of the three, but is still acting like herself. She was in shock right after the attack day before yesterday, but yesterday she was back to normal acting. However, she has what I'm calling "nuclear poop". I tried looking at other poop threads, and saw one that even mentioned "the" poop thread, and I couldn't find any articles about it, so I'm asking you.

They are a large poop, but they have a STRONG chemical-like odor. I think that during the attack, the dog broke an egg she was working on, because when I was doctoring her, she had a nasty poop that looked like it had a bunch of egg whites. No shells. Yesterday, she pooped a small, undeveloped egg in with one of her nuclear poops. I don't think she's bound, and I'm certain that there is no broken shell in her. She is older and only lays once or twice a week.

Do I need to worry about her nuclear poop? It's possible she's always had them, but she is not a 'tame' chicken, and this is the first time I've had her in my house to smell them.

 

[Kiki]

Do I need to worry about her nuclear poop? It's possible she's always had them, but she is not a 'tame' chicken, and this is the first time I've had her in my house to smell them

Was it a one time thing or is it every poop?

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

Greetings ckhd,

I am very sorry your flock was attacked by dogs. That in itself, is a huge problem. Dealing with neighbors is very stressful.

Regarding your 'Buffy', it is very possible that there are a couple of things going on with her. If she is older in age, and gearing down from laying, she can lay strange looking eggs, soft shell or even shell-less eggs (membrane only), even very tiny eggs. I had my oldest hen lay the world's tiniest egg, along with some poop, too! Hormones are changing in the hen, and can cause changes in the poop. The poop can look somewhat like broody poop.

If the poop has a mushy consistency, or is diarrhea, that doesn't clear up in a few days, or gets worse, then, you have to consider possible infection. From what? Considering the hens were attacked, there can be internal injury from impact.

Whether the dogs inflicted the impact with their teeth, or caused the hen to smash into a rock or wall, if there is internal damage the hen will exhibit symptoms:

• The hen is sleepy
• Loses appetite
• Stops drinking water
• Or drinks constantly
• Has mucousy discharge when pooping
• Lethargy can indicate anemia resulting from injury

These symptoms indicate the hen is very ill with a possible infection. You will need to treat her for that.

However, if she seems fine and is eating and drinking - except for the nuclear poop; you can put her back with the flock and just monitor her daily.

I would make sure Buffy's wounds (if any) are clean and cared for daily. I would also administer a potent probiotic for poultry, like Gro2Max, for a week. This may help her digestion, which can be affected by injury, stress, or hormonal changes. Keep the hen's vent clean, by flushing it with a plastic bottle filled with warm mild soapy water, or saline solution. Pat dry with a towel. If she does not stand still, always restrain her with a long scarf or fabric, wrapped around the body and wings, and tied off at the back. Since you have her restrained, you should also administer a dose of vitamins, preferably with iron, once a day for three days. This will help boost her immune system for healing.

Keep stress levels down for the flock, as they will need a couple weeks to recover from the shock of the attack. Expect egg laying to suffer, if it doesn't that's great!

Strong odor in poop can be from different things. When poop is held a long time (broody poop), it can smell because of the high bacteria growth. Certain vegetable matter like cabbage and kale, can cause a sulfur smell. However, a chemical smell is concerning. I have not encountered this in my flock. If it doesn't clear up in a few days, you may want to consult a vet.

These are my thoughts on your hen's issue. I hope I have been helpful.

God Bless

 

[drumstick diva]

ckhd hope your hen has the best possible outcome

 

[ckhd]

KikisGirls, It has been every poop. The last one today seemed less stinky. I'm hoping she's clearing up.

Hen Pen, Thanks for the advice. Hadn't thought of using a scarf, I think that will help a lot while tending wounds, especially on the "alpha hen". I've been giving the wounded ones aspirin water for pain, keep cleaning wounds, and applying antibiotic salve (Neosporin). I'll go to the feed store tomorrow and see if they have some better antibiotics. Her nuclear poop is a large glop and is quite mushy. She goes several times a day, so I don't think it's 'broody poop'.

Chemical smell is the best I can describe it. I have a '92 Suburban that has a ton of miles. It leaks every fluid it requires onto the exhaust manifold. When I drive it for several miles, it has the same smell (along with burning oil smell). Like I said, the one she had a an hour ago didn't seem quite as strong, so maybe it's passing (pun intended).

Are there chicken specific vitamins, or would a "one-a-day" work? I'll see what the feed store has too.

Drumstick diva, Thank you. I'm hoping too. I'm more hopeful today because today the "alpha hen", Colonel, was up walking around looking bossy. She's still hurting and slow, but she was moving, eating, and drinking, which is a big improvement. She's still not out of the woods, but she's headed the right direction.

Thank you all. I love all the knowledge people here have. I'd be lost, and so would half my chickens without this site!

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

There are poultry specific vitamin supplements, which are good because they are proportioned for the small bodies of a chicken.

I use Nutri Drench which is a good overall vitamin supplement for poultry. 1 to 1.5 mL, administered in an oral syringe will deliver nutrition and energy to an ailing chicken.

I also use Pet-Tinic which has iron in it. Pet Tinic is labeled for dogs and cats, but works well for chickens, too. It is vet recommended when there is injury. Chickens can quickly become anemic when there is an injury. All that is needed is .6 mL, administered with an oral syringe, twice daily. Use during illness or injury healing, is an appetite stimulant, for stress recovery, nutritional loss due to parasites, anemia due to blood loss, etc.

Vionate is another good multi-vitamin supplement. It is in a granulated form, so you can sprinkle it on chicken feed. Convenient to feed to the entire flock. Good for when there is illness in the flock.

Some keepers never use supplements, it's a personal preference. But, I have had good results using them along with medication.

So, there you are...I hope this is helpful.

 

[ckhd]

Nice. Thank you. I'll try to get some tomorrow.