Chickens can get diarrhea due to infections, dietary changes, parasites, or stress, which disrupt their digestive system and lead to watery droppings.
Chicken diarrhea is a common issue that can signal serious health problems. Unlike normal droppings, diarrhea appears watery, foul-smelling, and often sticks to feathers around the vent. Left untreated, it can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and even death.
Normal vs. Abnormal Chicken Droppings
Healthy chicken poop has three parts:
- Brown solid waste (digested food)
- White urates (urine equivalent)
- Clear liquid (excess water)
Abnormal signs include:
| Type | Appearance | Concern Level |
|---|---|---|
| Caecal poop | Pasty, dark brown | Normal (occurs 1-2x daily) |
| Diarrhea | Watery, no form | High concern |
Top Causes of Chicken Diarrhea
1. Bacterial Infections
Common bacterial culprits include:
- E. coli – Causes greenish diarrhea
- Salmonella – Leads to white diarrhea
- Clostridium perfringens – Results in bloody diarrhea
Bacterial infections often spread through contaminated water or feed. Proper coop hygiene is essential for prevention.
2. Viral Diseases
Dangerous viruses include:
- Newcastle Disease – Green diarrhea with nervous symptoms
- Avian Influenza – Bloody diarrhea with respiratory distress
- Infectious Bronchitis – Watery diarrhea with nasal discharge
3. Parasites
Internal parasites wreak havoc:
- Coccidiosis (bloody diarrhea in chicks)
- Roundworms (visible in droppings)
- Tapeworms (white segments in poop)
According to The Organic Farmer, coccidiosis causes up to 80% mortality in untreated chicks.
4. Dietary Issues
Food-related problems include:
- Sudden feed changes
- Moldy feed (learn risks)
- Excess treats or greens
- Nutritional deficiencies
5. Environmental Stressors
Stress triggers diarrhea through:
- Heat stress (over 85°F/29°C)
- Overcrowding
- Predator threats
- Coop moves (transition tips)
Diagnosing the Cause
Key symptoms to watch:
Color Clues
- Green: Liver issues or Newcastle Disease
- White: Salmonella or kidney problems
- Red: Coccidiosis or internal bleeding
- Yellow: Worm infestation or liver disease
Behavior Signs
- Lethargy
- Reduced eating
- Isolating from flock
- Droopy wings
Treatment Options
Home Remedies
For mild cases:
- Electrolyte solution (1 gal water + 1 tbsp honey + 1 tsp salt)
- Probiotics (plain yogurt or commercial supplements)
- Pumpkin (natural dewormer)
Medical Treatments
| Cause | Treatment | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Coccidiosis | Amprolium (Corid) | 5-7 days |
| Bacterial | Oxytetracycline | 3-5 days |
| Worms | Fenbendazole | 1-3 days |
As noted by Dine a Chook, early treatment is critical for chick survival.
Prevention Strategies
Coop Management
- Clean waterers daily
- Provide 4 sq ft per bird
- Use dry bedding (replace weekly)
Health Maintenance
- Vaccinate chicks
- Quarantine new birds
- Deworm every 3-6 months
Diet Optimization
- Use quality feed
- Limit treats to 10% of diet
- Provide grit for digestion