weird runny, miilky poo

[kristenm1975]

I'm not certain who laid this one, but I found a very strange poo last time my chickens were free-ranging. I'm not allowing them to do that anymore because the coyotes are too hungry this time of year, so I haven't seen any more of this type of poo, but I wanted some opinions on this.

Thanks for your help! Happy Turkey Day also!

 

[warren]

Mine do it like that if they steal the cat's tinned food. I think it may be too much salt or protein.

 

[kristenm1975]

Hmmm. No access to cat food. I've got them on a diet of organic layers pellets mixed with about 20% cracked corn and wheat, with 5% grit and oyster shell. They get scraps every once in a while, but not often.

Do you think maybe there's too much oyster shell or something?

 

[kristenm1975]

Also, the hen who I think dropped this weird poo seems to spend most of her time standing around all fluffed up, just watching all the other hens pecking and scratching, running around and chasing each other. I don't think she could be that cold. It's chilly, but not super cold and the other hens have a lot less feathers than her. She's a nice fat, fluffy girl.

 

[warren]

If a hen is not eating she needs keeping an eye on. I don't mix grit or oyster shell in with my layers food. I put it on the ground in a little pile and let them have it when they want it.
If the others are fine it may not be diet. Sorry, no other ideas. I hope someone comes up with an answer.

 

[kristenm1975]

Fortunately, she's eating and drinking well. I just observed her more closely when I went out to feed my girls some nice warm oatmeal and noticed that one of her eyes has some crusty thing going on. It's just on one eye, but it seems like it might be hurting her.

I'm wondering if I should isolate her? I have a small place to isolate but I'm afraid she'll get worse if she's in there by herself where it's cold.

 

[kristenm1975]

This hen now has a clear, foamy buildup with a crust on one eye. She's still eating and drinking well. In fact, she spends more time at the water than any other bird. I'm thinking that's not a good sign.


Should I isolate??