Runny poo- set my mind at ease

[amorrill]

I have only had chickens for 3 months now, so I literally have nothing to contribute to this forum except my unending questions. Thank you so much to all who have chimed in in the past!

For the last three days, all 4 of my chickens have had really watery brown poops. They don't seem sick at all, just business as usual, and are actually forming some normal poop, but very few. From what I've found online it could just be the heat (It's been in the upper 90's here) or could be E Coli. Since all are active and eating well, I am inclined to think they are just fine, but wanted to check with more experienced folks. They seem to be keeping cool pretty well, only panting at times, when they over do it in the sun. All I have done is add electrolyte to their water so far. Anything I should watch for?

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

How long has this been going on?

The way chickens digest their food they will end up with watery poo from time to time. It shouldn't last more than 48 hours.

 

[terryg]

Very often when it's hot out hens drink a lot of muddy water and they get runny poo. But there's lots of other reasons, some serious, some not. I have a blog post about messy bottoms that might help. http://hencam.com/henblog/2011/08/chickens-have-messy-bottoms/

 

[dawg53]

During hot temps, they drink alot of water and excrete watery poop. They will open their mouths and pant, also open their wings to expel heat away from their bodies. Ensure they have plenty of freshwater to drink, electrolytes help replenish lost nutrients.

 

[amorrill]

Today is the second or third day of runnyness. Like I said, they are otherwise fine, no messes on their butts, eating well, active. Sounds like you guys don't think it's too scary huh?

 

[dawg53]

It's normal for hot temps to cause this, they will also cut back on egg laying. Just as long as they are eating/drinking normally, not lethargic...they'll be ok.

 

[clucky3255]

if they are still active then i don't think they are veryveryveryveryVERY sick....could just have daiariah

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

Today is the second or third day of runnyness. Like I said, they are otherwise fine, no messes on their butts, eating well, active. Sounds like you guys don't think it's too scary huh?

I say you're good. As long as you are getting some normal "stuff".

Don't worry about it when books or people say that your chicken probably has E. Coli or some other disease. It's probably just a lot of hype, since most diseases are associated with diarrhea (not to mention that it is very common), you can hardly ever pinpoint a problem just because of that symptom. However, if you notice more symptoms of any disease you may want to have it checked out.