Young Roo (43 days old) with Black Poo?

[Featherwisp]

Hello all...
my juvy RIR roo has had some odd looking poops lately...they are really dark colored, like black, with a tiny bit of white in it. What could it be?

(Some backround to the story, or possible causes...
A few days ago, I discovered that the homemade feeder I had made for the chickens was laying in pieces in thier run. A small screw and washer was missing from the feeder, the things that keep it together. I looked through thier bedding, but could not find them... I'm worried that one of the chicks got a hold of them! And now Raz has black poo?! I think he might have eaten one

. But that is just my reasoning. I really hope this isnt the cause.

I will keep you guys posted. So far, everybody is acting like their normal, active and curious selves.
Ack, this is horrible, this has been the first time I have had health problems with one of them so far...

)

 

[ivan3]

Up his protein level. Black stool is sometimes an indicator of blood (missing screw - they also eat staples, etc.). If you want to rule this out you can pick up a fecal occult blood testing kit OTC at any pharmacy (I prefer Chemstrips - good for chooks and humans both, but they are somewhat expensive).

Up the protein level in diet along with giving him three drops of Polyvisol Enfamil - no iron formulation - vitamins three drops a day. If he's bleeding internally, to a dangerous degree, comb will become pale or very dark and activity level will drop off substantially.

Good luck!

 

[dlhunicorn]

re the screw (and staples etc other metal eaten) > if he shows neurological signs you will need to get him to a vet for radiographs or such to see the position of the screw...
...give some peanutbutter on a bit of bread (this is advised for suspected metal poisoning to help it pass thru the system)
the problem is lead/heavy metal poisoning (zinc can also cause this) and it WILL need removal oftimes it can be done by endoscopy however I do remember a very lucky member who got out a piece of metal in the crop by using a magnet on a string