Watery Poop

[tsperry88]

I get at least one super watery dropping on my poop board at least once a day. I haven't worried about it as they drink a lot in the heat, but I though I would post a gross picture in case I should be worried.

 

[cherrynberry]

It could just be excess protein in their diet. Maybe they had too much protein lately...that comes out as a liquid.

 

[tsperry88]

Their feed is higher in protein, but only slightly, at around 20% with little treats. Unless they are sneaking snacks on the side....

 

[aart]

It could just be excess protein in their diet. Maybe they had too much protein lately...that comes out as a liquid.

Never heard that one before.

I get at least one super watery dropping on my poop board at least once a day. I haven't worried about it as they drink a lot in the heat, but I though I would post a gross picture in case I should be worried.

Are you feeding pellets?
Any idea which bird it is?

 

[tsperry88]

Never heard that one before.

Are you feeding pellets?
Any idea which bird it is?

They are 18 weeks and still on starter grower crumble. I prefer organic, and havnt found organic grower/all flock in pellets yet. I can usually get the starter grower just over a month from mill. I bought a bag yesterday that was 40 days old. I'm not sure which bird it is.

 

[aart]

Almost looks like undigested feed.
Any other foods/treats given?
Do they free range?

If you could figure which bird, I would isolate bird in a wire cage within the coop for a day or two....so I can closely monitor their intake of food and water, crop function(checking at night and in morning before providing more feed), and their poops. Feel their abdomen, from below vent to between legs, for squishy or hard swelling. Check for external parasites or any other abnormalities.

Best to put crate right in coop or run so bird is still 'with' the flock.
I like to use a fold-able wire dog crate (24"L x 18"W x 21"H) with smaller mesh(1x2) on bottom of crate under tray.

Then you can put tray underneath crate to better observe droppings without it being stepped in. If smaller mesh is carefully installed, tray can still be used inside crate.

 

[tsperry88]

I will try to ID the bird or birds. Here is an excerpt I read from the chicken chick book this morning.

 

[aart]

Here is an excerpt I read from the chicken chick book this morning.

Does she go on to say how much, and in what from, protein is too much?

 

[tsperry88]

That was all I saw mentioned about it, and I'm fairly sure grower feed isn't too high. They only get a little scratch as treats, which would dilute the protein percentage in their diet.

 

[aart]

That was all I saw mentioned about it,

Kinda vague....too vague for @cherrynberry to repeat, IMO.

and I'm fairly sure grower feed isn't too high. They only get a little scratch as treats, which would dilute the protein percentage in their diet.

Many, including me, feed 20% without problems.