No More Fowl Play: Navigating the Causes and Treatment of Diarrhea in Chicken

Looking to raise a feathered flock? Well, don’t let the thought of a poop-ocalypse get in the way! Poultry farming has become a significant industry worldwide, with an ever-increasing demand for chicken eggs and meat. However, diarrhea is one of the most common health issues that can affect poultry birds.

Chicken diarrhea is a debilitating condition that can lead to a decline in the production of meat and eggs and an increase in mortality rates. As such, poultry farmers need to understand the causes and treatment of diarrhoea in poultry to maintain the health and productivity of their flocks. Dive into this article to tackle unusual chicken poop head-on!

Cracking the Chicken Poop Code: Understanding Causes Of Diarrhoea in Poultry

Diarrhoea is a condition characterised by loose or watery poop in chicken, often accompanied by increased frequency and volume of defecation. In poultry, diarrhoea can be caused by various factors, including bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections, dietary imbalances, and environmental stressors.

1. Bacterial Infections

Poultry diarrhoea is caused by common bacterial infections such as E. coli, Salmonella spp., Clostridium perfringens, and Campylobacter jejuni. These bacteria can infect the digestive tract of birds, leading to inflammation and irritation, resulting in diarrhoea.

2. Viral Infections

Viral infections are another significant cause of diarrhoea in poultry. Adeno virus, Reo virus, Rota virus, Newcastle disease (ND) virus, avian influenza virus (AIV) and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) are the most common viral infections that can affect your poultry’s health. These viruses can cause inflammation of the intestinal lining, leading to diarrhoea.

3. Parasitic Infections

Parasitic infections can also cause symptoms of diarrhoea in chickens. Coccidiosis, a parasitic disease that affects poultry, is caused by the protozoan parasite Eimeria spp. It affects the intestinal tract of poultry, leading to diarrhoea and other digestive issues.

4. Dietary Imbalances

Feeding birds with unbalanced diets or contaminated feeds can lead to diarrhoea. Feeding birds excessive amounts of salt, protein or fats can also cause digestive issues.

5. Environmental Stressors

Environmental stressors can also contribute to the development of unusual poop. Overcrowding, poor ventilation, and extreme temperature fluctuations can all contribute to developing diarrhoea in poultry.

Operation Clean Chicken Poop: Preventing and Treating Diarrhoea in Poultry

Preventing and treating irregular poultry poop involves identifying and addressing the condition’s underlying cause. Antibiotics may be necessary for bacterial infections to eliminate the bacteria responsible for diarrhoea. However, it is essential to note that the overuse of antibiotics in poultry can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

Steps To Prevent Poultry Diarrhea

• Improving Nutrition: This can also help prevent diarrhoea in poultry. Providing a balanced diet that meets the nutritional requirements of the birds can help maintain the health of the digestive system and prevent diarrhoea. Additionally, providing clean and uncontaminated feed and water can help prevent the development of diarrhoea.
• Environmental Management: Managing the environment of the poultry farm can also help prevent unusual stool. Ensuring adequate ventilation, reducing overcrowding, and maintaining appropriate temperature, humidity levels, and poultry winter management can all help reduce the risk of diarrhoea.
• Vaccination: Vaccination can also help prevent the development of diarrhoea in poultry. Vaccines are available for several viral and bacterial infections that can cause diarrhoea in young chickens. Vaccinating birds can help prevent the development of these infections.
• Proper Hygiene: Maintain a clean and hygienic environment for your poultry. Keep their living area clean and dry, and regularly remove any litter or droppings. We previously discussed about litter management in poulty , you can check out this blog also.
• Water Management: Ensure that your poultry always has access to clean and fresh water. Ensure the water source is contamination-free and monitor water quality frequently.
• Balanced Diet: Feed your poultry a balanced diet with proper nutrients. Avoid sudden changes in their diet, as it can cause digestive problems.
• Biosecurity Measures: Implement biosecurity measures to prevent introducing diseases to your poultry. This includes controlling the movement of your farm’s people, animals, and equipment.

How To Treat Diarrhoea in Poultry?

1. Identify the underlying cause of diarrhoea in your poultry flock, as it can be caused by various factors such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or environmental factors.
2. Quarantine the affected birds from the rest of the flock to avoid spreading the disease.
3. Provide your poultry with fresh water to prevent dehydration and ensure they can access electrolytes.
4. Change the bedding in the coop regularly to reduce the build-up of harmful bacteria and other pathogens.
5. Consider adding probiotics to the birds’ diet to improve their gut health and support their immune system.
6. Consult a veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment, which may include antibiotics or other medication.
7. Monitor the birds’ progress and adjust their diet or environment to support their recovery.

Following these steps can effectively treat diarrhoea in your poultry and help prevent future outbreaks. Remember to always consult a veterinarian before administering any treatment to your birds.

Code Red (or Green/ Blue/ Yellow): Identify Different Types Of Chicken Poop

Image of Stool	Colour	Possible Causes
	Brown	A healthy chicken’s droppings usually consist of brown faeces with a white cap of urates on the top.
	Green	Diets high in green vegetables can cause green droppings. Excess intestinal mucus due to stress or illness can also result in green droppings.
	Yellow	Consuming yellow foods such as corn can cause yellow droppings. Certain medications or liver problems can also cause yellow droppings.
	White	Urates are white, chalky deposits that cover the chicken’s faeces.
	Black	Consumption of dark-coloured foods, such as grapes or blueberries, can cause black droppings.
	Red	If you notice red droppings, it may be an indication of blood in the chicken’s stool. This could be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, worms, or trauma.
	Milky White	Runny droppings can be a sign of diarrhoea, which could be caused by bacterial or viral infections, parasites, or diet issues.

Conclusion

It is very difficult of knowing what’s causing diarrhoea in your chicken, however, given the severity, a post-mortem can give you the accurate result. Remember, diarrhoea doesn’t have to put your poultry operations on hold indefinitely. To obtain an accurate diagnosis of a disease, relying only on faecal inspection is not enough. However, with time, patience, and a little bit of trial and error, you can successfully conquer diarrhoea and enjoy the benefits of a healthy, flourishing poultry operation. Keep up the great work – your feathered friends are counting on you!