Poop

[Nowchick]

Poop abnormal? I’ve been worried since we had a chicken die overnight without knowing why. All 8 of my girls are acting ok. Eating and happy to free range (a couple of hours a day) otherwise is in an enclosed run. Eating crumble. About 9 months old. Some may be going through a partial molt. I’m not sure whose this is. I saw something like it earlier in the day. I will look in the am in the coop and try and narrow it down. TIA for any thoughts and advice.

 

[Razzlefrazzle]

Where are you located? Worms can cause runny, pale poops, but if it's just the one poop or it's hot and your girls have been drinking a lot of water I wouldn't worry about it. If think it's worms you might be able to get a fecal float test at a vet to check, or you can just go ahead and deworm them. I would use Valbazen since some might be molting and safeguard (fenbendazole) can stunt/damage growing feathers.

 

[Nowchick]

I’m in Atlanta. It’s in the 50s day 40s night. I’ve been worried that haven’t been drinking enough. Some definitely do but they are the ones that eat s lot. There’s been no evidence on the poop board as of yet. I was outside when I spied the poop above and a similar one. But both times when I saw it there were all together. It could have been any of them! I am going to check the board tom am any more poop. I may take it in or may just give wormer. I will give them the one you mentioned if so. Thank you so much for your quick reply and your advice! Love this site!

 

[Razzlefrazzle]

Eating less and/or drinking more can be a sign of worms (though it could be other things too). Free range chickens are bound to pick up some worms in the environment so if they've never been dewormed I don't think it's a bad idea to deworm everybody.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I’ve been worried that haven’t been drinking enough. Some definitely do but they are the ones that eat s lot.

Do you have photos of your coop/run set up?

You're worried that some are not drinking enough...are some being kept from food and water stations?

The white urates can indicate dehydration, but if that poop is just a one time thing and they are all acting normal, then observe your flock and monitor the poop for several days. Take note of anyone acting off or lethargic, not eating/drinking well.

Sometimes more than one food/water station spaced apart can help ensure that all birds are getting to eat/drink.