Help! few of my chickens crop is full of mud (dirt).

[Alonso23]

Question: Few of my chickens have been eating dirt like crazy. I feed them a well ration diet that contains vitamins and minerals (pellet form) and add supplements such as kick n chicken supplement, and dewormed them and still continue to eat dirt? How can I stop that habit? any medications or suggestions? thanks.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Are you sure they are just eating the dirt? They pick seeds and bugs out of dirt, and I give my confined birds clumps of sod for them to dig and eat through, so I don't see why you are worried. It's normal for them ground forage, and is a healthy activity. Do you provide grit?

 

[Alonso23]

Yes, I provide grit. I was thinking that its maybe due to boredom since they are in pen.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Are you sure they are just eating the dirt? They pick seeds and bugs out of dirt, and I give my confined birds clumps of sod for them to dig and eat through, so I don't see why you are worried. It's normal for them ground forage, and is a healthy activity. Do you provide grit?

X2

They will eat dirt, bugs, seeds, etc. If you feel they are bored, then provide them with some hanging cabbage, kale, apple, etc. Some people sprout seeds or provide fodder as well. I try to give fresh/frozen fruits, veggies everyday and throw a little seed/scratch for them to find.

A large pile of leaves/pine needles to dig through is always welcome.

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2015/02/20-winter-boredom-busters-for-backyard.html
https://hencam.com/faq/cold-weather-care/

 

[Little Fuzzy]

How many birds and how big is your run?

 

[lazy gardener]

How do you know their crops are "full" of dirt? If your run is bare soil, it's time to put in a deep litter. IMO, bare soil is unhealthy soil, especially if it has a flock of chickens on it. When you clean the coop, toss the litter into the run. Add leaves, wood chips, grass, garden debris, basically anything that is compostable with the goal to build up a 6" layer of goodies for them to scratch through. You can increase their thrills by tossing some scratch into the mix now and then. The DL will attract lots of organisms, including microscopic beneficial bacteria and fungi, as well as beneficial insects. All of these critters will keep the pathogens in check, including helping to eliminate internal and external parasites, and will give your birds a healthy gut flora, in effect giving them a stronger immune system and decreasing your feed bill.

 

[Alonso23]

Good point, will definitely do that. Thank you.