Snails in poop

So it's hard to say if this stuff even came from your chickens?
Do you find them frequently, in areas your chickens are in, during the day or over night??
Wonders if some other critter is leaving these 'gifts'?

I've only ever seen it on my porches, patio, and driveway where the chickens hang out during the day.
 
I've only ever seen it on my porches, patio, and driveway where the chickens hang out during the day.
How frequently do you find them?
What time of day do you find them?
If your birds are acting fine I would't worry or just to terrible conclusions too quickly.

Any cats roaming in your area?
I find chewed up frogs, rodents, reptiles on occasion that could be from stray cats or raccoons, or opossums, or skunks, or rodents, or.....<shrugs>
 
How frequently do you find them?
What time of day do you find them?
If your birds are acting fine I would't worry or just to terrible conclusions too quickly.

Any cats roaming in your area?
I find chewed up frogs, rodents, reptiles on occasion that could be from stray cats or raccoons, or opossums, or skunks, or rodents, or.....<shrugs>
There is no consistency as to how often or when, except it is during the day, although it may happen in the coop at night. They do seem fine. Tonight I found a puddle on the porch where the chickens had just been that had nothing in it! I'm not going to freak out, but I am going to check with the vet, for my peace of mind.

I have all kinds of animals around here, but I find the liquid only during the day where the chickens hang out.
 
I collected some snails and the surrounding liquid, as well as some regular poop (separate containers) and took the samples to the vet. He had never heard of and could not find any info on the snail situation as being harmful to chickens. He did know about the fact that some snails can survive the digestive systems of birds as a way to disseminate the species. He did say if the chickens are eating snails, they could get flukes. He also found a microscopic roundworm in the poop sample. So, to be safe, he prescribed a mild de-wormer powder. To try to ensure that each chicken got an equal amount, I spritzed some treats in 3 dishes and sprinkled the powder on them. Of course, the low chicken on the totem pole didn't get her share, so I took up her dish and put it in the refrigerator to give them to her when she is alone laying her egg. Sadly, I can't use the eggs for 21 days, but I will compost them. I'm just glad my babies are healthy.
 

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