Chickens may have diarrhea due to dietary changes, infections, parasites, or stress, which can disrupt their digestive system and lead to loose droppings.
Chicken diarrhea is a common but concerning issue for poultry owners. While occasional loose droppings are normal, persistent watery feces signal health problems requiring attention. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments helps keep your flock healthy.
How to Identify Chicken Diarrhea
Normal chicken droppings have three parts:
- Firm brown fecal matter
- White urates (their version of urine)
- Clear liquid
Diarrhea appears as:
- Watery, unformed droppings
- Lack of solid matter
- Foul odor
- Feathers caked with droppings
One exception: caecal poop. This sticky, smelly brown/black paste is normal and occurs about once every 10 droppings.
Top Causes of Chicken Diarrhea
1. Bacterial Infections
Common culprits include:
- E. coli
- Salmonella
- Clostridium perfringens
Bacterial infections often stem from contaminated feed or water. Regular deworming helps prevent parasitic infections that weaken immunity.
2. Viral Diseases
Serious viruses causing diarrhea:
- Newcastle disease (high mortality)
- Avian influenza
- Infectious bronchitis
According to The Organic Farmer, Newcastle disease can kill 30-80% of an infected flock.
3. Parasites
Internal parasites wreak havoc:
- Coccidiosis (bloody diarrhea in chicks)
- Roundworms
- Tapeworms
4. Dietary Issues
Food-related causes:
- Sudden feed changes
- Moldy feed
- Excess treats/scraps
- Lack of grit for digestion
5. Environmental Stressors
Conditions triggering diarrhea:
- Heat stress (over 29°C/84°F)
- Overcrowding
- Poor sanitation
- Introduction to new coop mates
Diagnosing the Cause
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Bloody diarrhea | Coccidiosis |
| Green droppings | Newcastle disease |
| Foamy droppings | Internal parasites |
| Panting + diarrhea | Heat stress |
Treatment Options
Immediate Actions
- Isolate sick birds
- Provide electrolytes (recipe below)
- Clean water with apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp/gal)
Electrolyte Recipe
Mix in 1 gallon water:
- 8 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
Medical Treatments
Depending on cause:
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Amprolium for coccidiosis
- Dewormers for parasites
As noted by Dine a Chook, chicks with suspected coccidiosis need immediate treatment as they deteriorate quickly.
Prevention Strategies
Hygiene Practices
- Clean coops weekly
- Disinfect waterers daily
- Use lime on coop floors
Diet Management
- Provide quality feed
- Limit treats to 10% of diet
- Offer grit for digestion
Stress Reduction
- Ensure proper spacing (4 sq ft/bird in coop)
- Provide shade in summer
- Maintain consistent routines
When to Call a Vet
Seek professional help if:
- Multiple birds affected
- Blood in droppings
- Birds stop eating/drinking
- Diarrhea persists >2 days
Proper management prevents most cases of chicken diarrhea. Monitor your flock daily and address issues promptly for optimal poultry health.