Snow Eating Leads to Runny Poop!

[Farmgirl1878]

We got a few inches of snow here in way-Southern Ohio and my pullets and cockerel are eating the snow like crazy! About half of the flock won’t walk on the snow, but the rest are grooving on scratching through it and making tracks all over the yard. The first day of the storm, they all just hung out and watched it come down from the safety of the coop door or the run. Dotty, the most curious of the pullets, decided to taste it, then everyone wanted to know what all the fuss was about, so I made them a little snowman who was promptly devoured.

Now, two days later, they are all coming out into area I cleared and are eating snow until they puke it up. (Then they eat the puke!!!) And talk about runny poop!! Everyone seems healthy. They are eating and drinking normally (I have two heated waterers) and no new treats (just a little scratch, apple bits, or mealworms). Do I need to be concerned? The puking doesn’t happen with all of them and of the ones who have, it’s been a one-time thing so far, but it seems like everyone has poop that’s at least a little more “loose” than usual...

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Sounds like excessive water intake similar to summer time, that can cause loose stools.

Guess I would be worried about the core temp dropping too low from snow eating. But...

I PROBABLY wouldn't worry too much but keep an eye open for anything else concerning.

 

[chickens really]

Definitely nothing to worry about.

 

[aart]

Sounds like excessive water intake similar to summer time, that can cause loose stools.

Yep, I wouldn't worry.

Guess I would be worried about the core temp dropping too low from snow eating.

Not sure I'd worry about this...might wonder, but it's not like you can stop them.

 

[centrarchid]

The chickens shown are not exhibiting signs of cold stress. Therefore no core temperature issue. If food is very hydrated, then you can expect to see more hydrated stool. They do not urinate as a means to void excess water.