my 2 week old Chicks is eating POO is this normal?

[OliviaDeHav]

One of the chicks is (i think) eating her poo and the others! YUCK

I take her out every now and then and have her on the carpet with a towel down to pet her and let her climb on me. Today i had her out with another chick and she poo'd and picked it up immediately! I bonked (gently) it out of her mouth. Then the other little chick poo'd and she tried to get it before it even hit the ground!!!

I have 3 5 week olds and when they were younger they'd pick up a piece and seem disgusted, drop it, and wipe their beaks on the sawdust trying to get it off....
Why is this one bent on picking it up??? I have not seen her eat it, but I'm assuming when i am not there to bonk it out of her mouth she does? I really don't want a poo eating chicken! I had a dog who did that and i had to get that disgusting tasting stuff to put in her food. None of the others are doing this. Will they follow her lead? The poo is a tad runny too....to add to the grossness of it all....

 

[33yardbirds]

I know they curiously peck at it but I've never had any that actually ate it.

 

[woodmort]

It isn't that unusual even in older birds although the older ones may be pecking through it for fly maggots. Only humans think this is yucky.

 

[OliviaDeHav]

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Yes.... i do.... think it is yucky..... I'd not witnessed any other birds doing what she is. She could at least wait until it hits the ground!

And of course this is MY chicken!
I'm still not sure she is actually eating it. I should probably watch and see, not sure i can stomach that though

 

[pgpoultry]

Must be something about chicken poop. My dog and several of my sheep love it!

Sandie

 

[OliviaDeHav]

Quote:

ok, i won't worry.... i was thinking they might get sick from it.... still

ewwwwwwwwwwwww