Chickens may have diarrhea due to dietary changes, infections, parasites, or stress; consult a vet for accurate diagnosis and treatment options.
Chicken diarrhea is a common but concerning issue for backyard flock owners. Watery droppings can signal anything from dietary changes to serious infections. Understanding the causes and treatments helps keep your flock healthy.
Normal vs. Abnormal Chicken Poop
Healthy chicken droppings have two parts:
- A brown, solid fecal portion
- A white urate cap (chickens excrete urine as white paste)
Diarrhea appears as:
- Watery, unformed droppings
- No distinct fecal portion
- Foul odor
- Feathers caked with droppings
Caecal Poops: The Exception
About once daily, chickens produce caecal poops – sticky, smelly dark droppings. These are normal digestive byproducts, not diarrhea.
Top Causes of Chicken Diarrhea
1. Dietary Issues
Sudden feed changes or spoiled food often cause temporary diarrhea. Common triggers:
- New treats or scraps (especially watery fruits)
- Moldy feed
- Excess protein or salt
- Lack of grit for digestion
2. Parasites
Internal parasites are a leading cause of chronic diarrhea:
- Worms: Roundworms, tapeworms visible in droppings
- Coccidiosis: Bloody diarrhea in young chicks (learn worming schedules)
3. Bacterial Infections
| Infection | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| E. coli | Yellow diarrhea, lethargy |
| Salmonella | Watery green poop, ruffled feathers |
| Avian Cholera | Sudden death, blue combs |
4. Viral Diseases
Viruses like Newcastle disease and avian influenza often cause diarrhea alongside respiratory symptoms.
5. Environmental Stress
Heat waves, overcrowding, or predator threats can trigger digestive upset. Heat stress prevention is crucial in summer.
Diagnosing the Problem
Look for these additional symptoms:
- Blood in droppings: Likely coccidiosis
- Panting + diarrhea: Heat stress
- Weight loss: Worms or chronic infection
- Isolated bird: May need quarantine
Treatment Options
Immediate Actions
- Isolate affected birds
- Provide electrolytes in water
- Clean coop thoroughly
- Replace bedding
Specific Treatments
- Worms: Piperazine or ivermectin
- Coccidiosis: Amprolium (Corid)
- Bacterial infections: Antibiotics like tetracycline
According to poultry health experts at Dine a Chook, probiotics can help restore gut health after diarrhea episodes.
Prevention Strategies
Coop Management
- 4 sq ft space per bird minimum
- Regular deep cleaning
- Proper ventilation
Nutrition
- Quality feed (store in rodent-proof containers)
- Limited treats (no more than 10% of diet)
- Always available grit
Health Monitoring
- Weekly poop checks
- Routine parasite control
- Vaccination for common diseases
For new chicken owners, proper introductions to the flock reduce stress-related diarrhea.
When to Call a Vet
Seek professional help if:
- Diarrhea lasts >48 hours
- Multiple birds affected
- Blood in droppings
- Birds stop eating/drinking
As noted by GLAMAC poultry experts, prompt treatment prevents dehydration and secondary infections.