To treat diarrhea in chickens, ensure they have access to clean water, provide electrolyte solutions, and consult a vet for appropriate medications and dietary adjustments.
Diarrhea in chickens is more than just messy droppings—it’s often a sign of underlying health issues. Whether you’re dealing with a single sick hen or an entire flock with loose stools, quick action can prevent serious complications. This guide covers everything from identifying abnormal droppings to targeted treatments for common causes.
Identifying Chicken Diarrhea
Normal chicken droppings have three parts:
- Firm brown fecal matter
- White urates (urine equivalent)
- Clear liquid urine
Diarrhea appears as:
- Watery, unformed droppings
- Lack of solid components
- Foul odor
- Feathers matted around vent
Don’t Mistake These Normal Variations
Caecal poops—pasty, smelly droppings that occur 1-3 times daily—are normal. So are occasional watery droppings after drinking large amounts.
Common Causes of Diarrhea
1. Bacterial Infections
Salmonella and E. coli often cause greenish diarrhea. Affected birds may stop eating and appear lethargic. Natural probiotics can help prevent bacterial imbalances.
2. Parasites
Worms and coccidia lead to bloody or mucus-covered droppings. Young chicks are especially vulnerable—regular deworming is crucial.
3. Dietary Issues
Sudden feed changes, moldy food, or excessive treats disrupt digestion. Table scraps should never exceed 10% of their diet.
4. Heat Stress
Panting chickens drink more water, leading to watery droppings. Provide shade and electrolytes during hot weather.
Emergency Treatment Protocol
Step 1: Isolate Sick Birds
Move affected chickens to a separate, dry area with:
- Clean bedding
- Individual food/water
- Warmth (95°F for chicks)
Step 2: Hydration Therapy
Make electrolyte solution:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Water | 1 gallon |
| Sugar | 8 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp |
Offer this for 2-3 days only—long-term use can worsen diarrhea.
Step 3: Dietary Adjustments
- Remove all treats
- Offer plain chick starter feed
- Add probiotic powder to feed
When to Use Medications
For Coccidiosis
Amprolium (sold as Corid) treats this deadly parasite. Dose at 10mg/kg body weight for 5-7 days. Learn proper Corid dosing.
For Bacterial Infections
Oxytetracycline or Tylan 50 may be prescribed by a vet. Never use medications without proper diagnosis.
Preventing Future Outbreaks
Coop Management
- Clean waterers daily
- Remove wet bedding promptly
- Disinfect with lime wash monthly
Health Monitoring
Check droppings weekly. According to PoultryDVM, 70% of chicken health issues first appear in droppings.
Vaccination Schedule
Essential vaccines include:
- Marek’s disease (day-old chicks)
- Newcastle disease (4 weeks)
- Infectious bronchitis (8 weeks)
When to Call a Vet
Seek professional help if:
- Blood appears in droppings
- Multiple birds are affected
- Symptoms persist >3 days
- Birds stop drinking
As noted by Penn State Extension, prompt veterinary care can mean the difference between losing one bird or your entire flock.