Chickens eat their own poop to obtain nutrients, as their digestive systems may not fully absorb all the nutrients from their feed during digestion.
Seeing chickens eat their own feces can be shocking for new poultry owners. This behavior, called coprophagia, is actually normal chicken behavior with biological roots. Understanding why chickens do this helps you manage your flock’s health.
Why Chickens Eat Poop: 4 Key Reasons
Chickens aren’t being gross – they’re following natural instincts when they eat droppings. Here’s what drives this behavior:
1. Nutrient Recycling
Chicken digestive systems aren’t perfect. Their poop often contains undigested food particles like:
- Whole grains and seeds
- Insect parts
- Plant matter
By eating fresh droppings, chickens recover these valuable nutrients. This is especially important for young chicks developing their digestive systems.
2. Gut Bacteria Maintenance
Chickens need healthy gut bacteria to digest food. Eating poop helps:
- Introduce beneficial microbes
- Maintain digestive balance
- Support immune function
3. Dietary Deficiencies
When chickens lack key nutrients, they may eat more poop. Common deficiencies include:
| Nutrient | Signs |
|---|---|
| Protein | Feather pecking, slow growth |
| Calcium | Soft eggs, weak bones |
| Vitamins | Poor feather quality |
4. Boredom or Stress
Chickens in cramped conditions with little enrichment may eat poop out of boredom. This is common in:
- Overcrowded coops
- Chickens kept alone
- Birds without proper enrichment
Health Risks of Coprophagia
While normal, poop eating carries risks:
Disease Transmission
Chickens can spread:
- Salmonella
- Coccidiosis
- Intestinal worms
According to research on coprophagia, this is especially dangerous in confined spaces.
Nutritional Imbalance
Excessive poop eating may indicate:
- Poor quality feed
- Digestive issues
- Parasite loads
How to Reduce Poop Eating
Improve Diet
Provide:
- High-quality complete feed
- Grit for digestion
- Fresh greens daily
Enhance Environment
Prevent boredom by:
- Allowing free-range time
- Adding perches and dust baths
- Rotating enrichment items
Maintain Cleanliness
Clean coops regularly to:
- Remove droppings quickly
- Reduce parasite cycles
- Prevent disease spread
As noted in poultry research, good management reduces excessive coprophagia while allowing natural behaviors.