Mystery: Excessive Drinking, Watery Stools (Don't decide before you read.)

[MrsAuberry00]

I have one hen who has always had looser stools, but I've noticed lately they are just like water with bits of digested feed in it. She is constantly at the water sources I provide, (which are changed and kept fresh.) It has been hot and I know that drinking more water will lead to more watery stools, HOWEVER, all five are in the same heat and she is the only one exhibiting these symptoms. They were wormed in May/June and there are no visible worms or abnormalities, i.e blood, foam, etc, in her stool or any of the others' stool.

They all eat the same feed, drink from the same water sources, are exposed to the same weather conditions, but all four of the other hens have normal stools. The hen in question has a good appetite, glossy feathers, no respiratory issues, no foul, (haha fowl,) unusual, odors from either end, walks, roosts and lays normally. She hasn't been laying as often, but they have all dropped off a little...that, or they are laying in our woods instead of in the coop.

I found a vet that will do a fecal float test even though he has no experience with poultry. He can at least check for parasites. The problem will be collecting enough of a specimen for him to test. I also have to wonder if she has parasites then why haven't any of the other four hens displayed symptoms? For the length of time she's had these watery, (as opposed to loose,) stools, the others would have been in contact with her long enough to exhibit symptoms and they haven't.

Edited: I had another thought... we have a koi pond they have access to and sometimes drink from. There is some algae in the water, but it is not stagnant. There is a waterfall and a pump that circulates the water. Anyway, once again, if there is something in the water, why would she be the only one with symptoms?

Edited again: Are there conditions that would cause excessive thirst and the watery stools are just a by-product of that condition?

Can anyone provide any information or suggestions?

 

[The Phantom]

@casportpony

 

[townchicks]

It may be that her immune system is weaker than the other chickens, so worms or whatever may be the issue may cause her more problems than the others. It is good that you are getting a stool sample done.It does not take a huge amount of stool, and it is ok if there is dirt in it. Just scoop up the whole area of "spray", including the dirt. Did you use a broad spectrum wormer? Not all wormers cover all worms. You might try a probiotic for this hen. Also if possible, try to block off the pond for a short time, to see if things improve.

 

[Eggcessive]

To collect some fresh droppings, you can use a puppy pad or a plastic garbage liner under a small roost in a dog crate overnight. Or after she roosts at night, you could put the plastic bag liner under her, and get out there before daylight to collect it.

Healthy chickens may tolerate a worm load, but one which is sick or has poor immunity won’t tolerate worms or common illnesses. Coccidiosis can be a problem in an adult bird that has poor immunity, or already sick.

You may want to look for any mold around your coop and run. Mold can cause aspergillosis, which may cause increased thirst. Also, crop impaction or sour crop, may cause increases drinking. Is her crop emptying overnight, or is it full and firm or puffy in the mornings?

If you do choose to worm her, I would use Valbazen 1/2 ml for a 5 pound chicken given orally, and repeated in 10 days. Shake bottle very well before using.

 

[MrsAuberry00]

You may want to look for any mold around your coop and run. Mold can cause aspergillosis, which may cause increased thirst. Also, crop impaction or sour crop, may cause increases drinking. Is her crop emptying overnight, or is it full and firm or puffy in the mornings?

It's empty and there is no odor which accompanies sour crop.