Scratch feed causing black poop?

[Fussy8]

My hens were laying eggs that had calcium spots all over them. So we started doing half scratch and half calcium feed. it stopped the spots but now they are pooping BLACK TAR!!!! It looks and smells horrific

!!! Yuck could it been the scratch? also they are drinking regularly but the water just gets dirt in it because of the muddy weather! (tryed changing it but it does not help the situation!)

 

[marlene]

I can't help you with the scratch/poop question, maybe some one more experienced will come along and be able to answer that one.
I had the regular waterer and got so fed up of them constantly getting dirt and shavings in it so i bought from ebay 2 waterer cups, they only cost me a few £ with the attachments and small hoses to fit it, i got a 10L drum, fitted it all up and i could not be happier, no more mess. I would suggest you stand your waterer on bricks or some sort of block to stop them getting it dirty all the time.

 

[jjthink]

Hi. What do you mean by "calcium feed"?

Hens should have a layer feed (I actually used game bird maintenance because of also having a roo), with oyster shell in a separate container available at all times. Scratch may be used as a treat but not as a mainstay of their diet.

No matter what, keep water freshly changed very often (I did twice daily, some would say that's over board, but once daily wouldn;t be too much).

JJ

 

[Fussy8]

thank you for the water suggestion marlene! and jjthink i call it calcium feed but it really is layer feed thank you for the suggestions as well!!

 

[nuchickontheblock]

I don't know about chickens, but in other animals (and people too), black poop often is blood in the feces. You should check this poop chart to see the range of normal.

www.chat.allotment.org.uk/index.php?topic=17568.0

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Have you elevated their water? Having it at the level of the shortest chicken in the flock keeps a lot of mess out of the water. You could also try the nipples for water.

 

[Cindy in PA]

Quote:
Does your scratch have a lot of barley? Too much barley can cause problems.

 

[Carrie Lynn]

I've noticed darker poop when I give scratch. Make sure chicken feed makes up the majority of their daily food and try giving scratch as more of a treat.

 

[Tambo26]

Hmm... this morning when I cleaned up the coop poop I noticed one black poop. Didn't notice an odor really but I did notice how dark it was... I have been giving fresh spinach the last few mornings. I figured it was from that. ?