Snails in poop

[kadani]

I have noticed since spring some watery poops with very small snails in them! I read that snails eaten by birds survive the digestive process. I have also read that watery poops may be because the chicken is drinking a lot of water due to heat. So I'm thinking my chickens sometimes eat snails and drink a lot of water. But I wonder, Is this normal? Is there something wrong I should fix?

 

[Silkielove103]

I have noticed since spring some watery poops with very small snails in them! I read that snails eaten by birds survive the digestive process. I have also read that watery poops may be because the chicken is drinking a lot of water due to heat. So I'm thinking my chickens sometimes eat snails and drink a lot of water. But I wonder, Is this normal? Is there something wrong I should fix?

Are they getting enough to eat?

 

[kadani]

Yes. They forage all day and have chicken food in the coop. They may eat too many sunflower and safflower seeds. But they are happy and healthy and laying eggs.

 

[pibb]

A pic of the snails/poop would be great. Often times people mistake things in the poo for other things.

 

[Kiki]

Pictures x2.

 

[kadani]

I will when I see them again. It doesn't happen every time, and sometimes not where I can see them. I am sure they are snails, though. And they are alive. BTW, when I said above that the chickens are healthy, I mean they act healthy. I just hope they are!

 

[aart]

I will when I see them again. It doesn't happen every time, and sometimes not where I can see them. I am sure they are snails, though. And they are alive. BTW, when I said above that the chickens are healthy, I mean they act healthy. I just hope they are!

Unless you see them come right out of the chicken,
I'd say the snails come around after the fact.
Snails and slugs can carry parasites that can harm poultry,
but I don't know many details.
@casportpony probably knows.

@kadani it would help immensely to know....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[kadani]

I added my location, Shippensburg PA, to my profile. It is hot and humid here. Here are photos of the snails. I didn't actually catch the chicken in the act, but none of the other birds who visit my porch are big enough to make that much of a poop.

 

[pibb]

Well the snails are all laying in the wet area, but where is the actual poop I don't see any?

That kinda looks like it may have come up from the crop. I don't think the snail shells would be intact if they passed through the gizzard, would they?

 

[aart]

Not much content to that poop...maybe they are eating them and it's causing digestive issues?