watery diarrhea

[Chickens In The Sun]

9.5 month Maran chicken with mostly clear, watery poop today. 2 days ago there was soft poop on an egg, and each day some very soft poop in the nesting boxes. The only reason I know which chicken is because I saw her pooping water today. They have a drop of oregano oil and a tsp of apple cider vinegar in their water. They get new water every other day and high quality fermented food. I'm going to empty and clean the water container and give them electrolytes. I don't have a place to separate her without her being vulnerable to racoon and coyote attacks. Maybe I can get a small cage and put it in the bathroom? What should I be doing to fix her? Idk if others have this problem too.

 

[FrostRanger]

Do you have pictures of the poop?

 

[Chickens In The Sun]

Took pics but having technical issues sending. It's clear with a little white in it. Two more things... They've all been molting, and also, my 2 Marans took a break laying for 2 months. I saw the Marans who had watery poop this morning go up to the nesting boxes. Maybe she just needed to start laying again??

 

[FowlProtector]

s definitely possible that she’s just getting back into laying, especially after a molt, and her system is adjusting. Watery poop can sometimes happen due to hormonal changes, but it can also be from drinking a lot of water, mild stress, diet changes, or an early sign of something else.
In which case:

Steps to Help Her:​

1. Electrolytes & Probiotics – You’re already planning electrolytes, which is great. Adding probiotics (like Sav-A-Chick or plain yogurt in small amounts) can help rebalance gut bacteria.
2. Observe Her Closely – If she’s acting normal, eating, drinking, and moving fine, it might just be a temporary issue. If she looks lethargic, fluffed up, or stops eating, then it could be something more serious.
3. Check for Egg Binding – Since she was in the nesting box, watch to see if she actually lays an egg. If she’s straining but nothing comes out, she may be egg bound. If you suspect this, a warm Epsom salt soak and calcium (like a crushed Tums) can help.
4. Molting & Nutrient Needs – Since they’ve been molting, their bodies are under stress. Make sure they’re getting enough protein (fermented feed helps, but you can also add scrambled eggs or mealworms).
5. Caging Inside – If you feel she needs closer monitoring, a small cage in the bathroom could work. Just make sure she has good airflow and doesn’t get too stressed.

Since you don’t know if others have watery poop too, you might want to keep an eye on the whole flock. If more birds start having issues, then it could be something in their environment or diet.

 

[Chickens In The Sun]

Do you have pictures of the poop?

I think I replied in the wrong place. Took pics but having technical issues sending. It's clear with a little white in it. Two more things... They've all been molting, and also, my 2 Marans took a break laying for 2 months. I saw the Marans who had watery poop this morning go up to the nesting boxes. Maybe she just needed to start laying again?? But, the egg with the very loose stool 2 days ago wasn't from the Marans, so at least 2 chickens have diarrhea. Today. I only saw watery or loose stool on the ground (there are 5 chickens). So maybe they all have it?

 

[Chickens In The Sun]

s definitely possible that she’s just getting back into laying, especially after a molt, and her system is adjusting. Watery poop can sometimes happen due to hormonal changes, but it can also be from drinking a lot of water, mild stress, diet changes, or an early sign of something else.
In which case:

Steps to Help Her:​

1. Electrolytes & Probiotics – You’re already planning electrolytes, which is great. Adding probiotics (like Sav-A-Chick or plain yogurt in small amounts) can help rebalance gut bacteria.
2. Observe Her Closely – If she’s acting normal, eating, drinking, and moving fine, it might just be a temporary issue. If she looks lethargic, fluffed up, or stops eating, then it could be something more serious.
3. Check for Egg Binding – Since she was in the nesting box, watch to see if she actually lays an egg. If she’s straining but nothing comes out, she may be egg bound. If you suspect this, a warm Epsom salt soak and calcium (like a crushed Tums) can help.
4. Molting & Nutrient Needs – Since they’ve been molting, their bodies are under stress. Make sure they’re getting enough protein (fermented feed helps, but you can also add scrambled eggs or mealworms).
5. Caging Inside – If you feel she needs closer monitoring, a small cage in the bathroom could work. Just make sure she has good airflow and doesn’t get too stressed.

Since you don’t know if others have watery poop too, you might want to keep an eye on the whole flock. If more birds start having issues, then it could be something in their environment or diet.

I think it's all of them now. Thank you so much for your reply.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

9.5 month Maran chicken with mostly clear, watery poop today. 2 days ago there was soft poop on an egg, and each day some very soft poop in the nesting boxes. The only reason I know which chicken is because I saw her pooping water today. They have a drop of oregano oil and a tsp of apple cider vinegar in their water. They get new water every other day and high quality fermented food. I'm going to empty and clean the water container and give them electrolytes. I don't have a place to separate her without her being vulnerable to racoon and coyote attacks. Maybe I can get a small cage and put it in the bathroom? What should I be doing to fix her? Idk if others have this problem too.

Took pics but having technical issues sending. It's clear with a little white in it. Two more things... They've all been molting, and also, my 2 Marans took a break laying for 2 months. I saw the Marans who had watery poop this morning go up to the nesting boxes. Maybe she just needed to start laying again??

Photos of the poop would be helpful.

Is she eating/drinking and active?