What makes chicken poo darker?

[RaesChicks]

My hens definitely have a range of droppings but I raked the coop out last night and when I checked this afternoon the droppings looked darker and one area looked particularly loose. I think we have the same brand of feed as last week, but they were free ranging all day yesterday. Could that be the cause?

 

[nuthatched]

Was it a cecal poop? Really smooth looking?

 

[Ridgerunner]

It certainly could. Stuff is starting to grow in parts of the Southeast US. They may have gotten into something yummy, fresh, and nutritious. Tender newer growth can have that effect. As long as they are acting normally I would not be concerned. It's pretty common.

 

[RaesChicks]

No, solid droppings for the most part, everyone’s look darker than usual, but one spot seems much looser. Pic attached, sorry. The droppings in the run are lighter, I’m wondering if they are less feed yesterday and more of whatever they could find?