Pondering Poop...Runnier vs more firm

[write2caroline]

I have noticed since my chicks were small and they are now nearly grown 7/15/09 hatching and 5/20/09 hatching. They all eat and drink the same - change water nearly daily - add Apple Cidar Vinegar from time to time all chicks eating FRM layer crumbles, they free range for about 30 minutes a day under my watchful eye. But even when they were on the medicated chick crumbles sometimes they had runnier poop - some did some didn't I also notice same chickens with runnier poops then would have a more normal poop - I only have 6 chickens so I know who is whom and just keep a mental note. They appear fine and healthy, happy.

What I want to know is: This runnier poop - should I be concerned? It is lighter in color more of a tabacco leaf brown. No blood, no white calcium stuff.

Just thought I would ask.

Caroline
Jax FL

 

[welovechickens]

Chickens have a wide range of healthy droppings.

The runnier, brownish-reddish colored droppings are called cecal droppings. They have a VERY strong STINK, but are completely normal.

As long as you aren't seeing constant "colored water" messes, they are most likely just fine.

Here's a handy link (with pictures) for any poo concerns you might have: http://www.chat.allotment.org.uk/index.php?topic=17568.0

 

[revolutionmama]

Thanks for that link!! I can use that, sometimes I worry to much about my chicken's poop and that link was great.

 

[write2caroline]

Thanks so very much! I wasn't sure and they seemed so happy and healthy that I didn't think it was much of a problem but I still wanted to ask.
Caroline
Jax FL

 

[KCNC06]

I just wanted to add...I am SO glad I'm not the only one who thinks they're paying way too much attention to their chicken's poop! I just got on here today to look up information about changes in chicken poo because I saw some slightly runny ones out in the yard and one in their coop. I definitely get far too freaked out about every unusual poo I find, every sneeze...you'd think these birds really were my kids!

 

[welovechickens]

I've looked at that link many times, and I STILL freak out over an odd dropping.