From the time in memorial, poultry farmers make use of the color and texture of chickens poop, or droppings to identify some abnormalities/diseases in their local chickens.
However, these abnormalities may or may not be a sign of infection or diseases, but in the majority of cases indicate a sign of one or two diseases. Other factors that may change the color of chickens poop include diet, stress, brooding, weather condition, poison, etc, and in this case, the color changes may not last for more than two days.
On the other hand, they are some diseases that cause watery whitish, greenish, yellowish, brownish, or even bloody stain in a chickens poop, which are generally referred to as diarrhea, and can have a 5% - 80% mortality depending on the pathogenicity of the disease-causing organism.
The problem most farmers face is how to identify the causes of various poop color in chicken and which medication to use.
I pledge to you, by the end of this post you should be able to give the right medications to your chickens having diarrhea and answer the following questions
Let get down to business!
For easy decision making, I will classify these diseases into three categories to narrow down our options, and for easy diagnoses and medication.
This group of diseases is mainly bacterial infections (Samonella) or internal parasites (various worms), and with diarrhea as one of their primary symptoms- that is if the right medication could stop diarrhea, there is a high chance that the chicken will recover fully.
The color of diarrhea could range from watery white, brown, green, or bloody stained poop.
These diseases can be cured and the diarrhea ( watery colored poop) disappeared if given the right medication and treatment, which I am going to suggest for you in this post.
Examples of such diseases include Fowl typhoid and cholera, Coccidiosis, Infectious coryza, and internal parasites ( various worms).
This group of diseases is mainly viral infection that cannot be treated even when diarrhea may stop because in this case, the diarrhea is just a secondary symptom resulting from an opportunistic disease usually bacterial.
Here, the watery poop or diarrhea may stop when you give the affected chicken some medication, but will not cure the ailment. The possible treatment is isolating the sick chickens and vaccinating the rest of the flock while observing bio-security measures
An example of such a case is in Newcastle disease that causes greenish poop. Antibiotics can be given to the chicken but will not treat the viral disease, knowing this will save you a lot of stress and expenses. Example of such diseases which are common in the tropics are Newcastle disease, Avian flu, Infectious bursal disease, IBD ( Gumboro), and Marek disease.
Also read: How to hatch chicks naturally at your backyard farm
These are non-disease causing diarrhea in chicken, and they don’t normally last for long. Medication is not always required in most cases. Examples include diet, weather conditions, stress, poison, brooding, etc. Except for poison, chicken can easily recover from diarrhea.
Having understood that some of these diseases causing diarrhea are curable some are not but manageable, and while some are less serious and require little or no attention, next is to group the disease based on their color manifestation on chickens’ poop, with their suggested treatment.
For proper diagnoses, we have to differentiate normal chicken poop from diarrhea chicken poop
The fact about normal chicken poop is that there is no fixed color. It all depends on the diet and state of chicken’s health. However, the ash poop with the white cap is generally assumed to be the normal chicken poop, several shades of color can be normal
The suspected disease includes Newcastle disease, Avian flu, and Marek disease. These are all viral diseases and there is no treatment for them, even when the greenish poop stops. The best thing to do is to isolate affected chicken(s) and vaccinate healthy chickens with the regional poultry vaccination schedule. Practice proper bio-security measures.
Worms are another suspect that can cause greenish poop. The commonest worm is with roundworm, causing a depression in growth and poor appearance.
Fowl cholera also has this sign and can be deadly to chicken. It can have 80% to 90% mortality during an outbreak.
The best treatment for the viral diseases is immunization or vaccination and bio-security. You can give antibiotics for opportunistic infections, usually bacteria.
For worm, You may see some dead worm in the poop of affected chickens. Give them Piperazine-for roundworm only, Albendazole and Ivermectin for both round, capillaria, and cecal worms. Consult your veterinarian for prescriptions and withdrawal time.
in case the case of Fowl cholera, use tetracycline, sulfadimethoxine, or sulfamethazine. Ensure you destroy all dead and sick birds and disinfect houses and equipment
The foamy yellow is mostly seen at the early stage of Coccidiosis. You should administer any anti-Cossidiostat to nip it at the bud.
It is also a primary symptom in Fowl typhoid. You will notice that the chicken becomes sleepy, loses its appetite but is very thirsty, and stand in a dark corner, with its head close to its body.
The feathers become ruffled, and the comb and wattles become usually pale and bloodless. The commonest symptom is the passing of liquid poop which is greenish-yellow.
It can also be caused by internal worm infestation
For Coccidiosis give drugs like Amprolium, Embazine Forte, Amprococ. For Internal worms, use Ivermectin.
Fowl typhoid use antibiotics like Amoxycillin sulfaquinoxaline, fluoroquinolones, or tetracycline. Consult your veterinarian for prescriptions and withdrawal time
Bloody poop can be seen as watery chicken poop without any solid, and sometimes with the normal solid grey matter. Bloody poop is a symptom of Coccidiosis and the amount of blood depends on the severity of the condition. It is usually spread through infected poops
Use drugs like Amprolium, Embazine Forte, Amprococ, or Tutrazuril. Disinfect the house, and avoid overcrowding and keep the chickens in a clean condition as possible.
This is mainly a result of diet content. Chickens will excrete this kind of poop a few times a day. In this case, you have nothing to worry about.
However, runny brown poop can also be a sign of either infectious bronchitis or E.coli infection. If so, you will have to treat your chickens urgently.
Use strong antibiotics like oxytetracycline erythromycin, or gentatylo,
This can either be internal worms or Infectious Bursal Disease(IBD) also known as Gumboro. Sometimes this is also a sign of Fowl cholera which is also dreaded by farmers.
Use Ivermectin for a worm, but Gumboro should be prevented with Gumboro vaccine. For Fowl cholera, use tetracycline, sulfadimethoxine, or sulfamethazine.
Normally, this can be a sign that your chickens have been stressed. It could be as a result of transportation, heat, debeaking, low feeding, etc. Where watery chicken poop is a concern is when it is an indication of infectious bronchitis.
Use anti-stress or multivitamins to revive your chickens. You should not have this problem if their general condition is well taken care of...
This is usually diet-related, based on what the chicken has eaten, but if you are sure the chicken has not eaten anything else, you might want to suspect internal bleeding.
It could also be a result of a high level of protein in your chicken feed. Brooding also causes black poop in brooding chickens that haven’t eaten for some time. They release this large terrestrial smelly black poop, but not as black as when it is internal bleeding.
For internal breeding, only a veterinary can help in this case, except when it is not an option you can give the bird vitamin and a lot of water. For high protein content in a feed, tweak your feed formula accordingly.
Note: This post cannot be substituted for the professional advice of a veterinarian. Ensure to visit your Vet if possible. For a more in-depth understanding and remedy of poultry disease, I found this book I got from amazon so resourceful, you can check it here
Remember: Medicines have limited value; they can only help to a small extent and should never take the place of sanitary measures. Take good care of your chickens, their food and their environment is the best defense against diseases and parasites.
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Comments
Modinat 2 years, 11 months ago
Thanks for sharing it really helpful God bless you...but what drug or vaccine can I use for turkey /chicken pox ...have use pox treat & oxtrycicline but is it the same
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 11 months ago
I am glad you find it helpful Modinat.
Link | ReplyWith regards to chicken pox in turkey and chicken read my post on fowl pox treatment (organic).
Although, it takes 2 to 4 weeks for full recovery. Give it some time. Ensure you isolate the infected chicken (s).
Babatunde 2 years, 11 months ago
Truly, you are a wonderful helper to this great platform.👍
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 11 months ago
Thanks Babatunde
Link | ReplyEmmanuel 2 years, 11 months ago
Good content, I wish you would get it to my email
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 11 months ago
Thanks Emmanuel. I will do that as soon as I can.
Link | ReplyAdelusi Adegbemiga 2 years, 11 months ago
Thanks for the lecture, God bless you
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 11 months ago
Don't mention... God bless you too.
Link | ReplyPls send it my mail sir. 2 years, 11 months ago
I wish you send it to my email address sir. It's very helpful.
Link | Reply[email protected]
Emmanuel Paul 2 years, 11 months ago
Please it's very helpful. Thanks I wish you send it to my email address [email protected]. thanks
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 11 months ago
I will do that as soon as I can Emma.
Link | ReplySolarin olusegun 2 years, 11 months ago
I will like to subscribe to your news letter and poultry guide.
Link | ReplyThanks
Samuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 11 months ago
That's ok Segun. You are welcome.
Link | ReplyEdibot obott 2 years, 11 months ago
Quite helpful. I have a question What do a farmer do for a batch of birds that are not laying after 20 weeks?
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 11 months ago
Thanks, Edibot. For your pullet just give them time, they will drop soon. I have seen a case of 24 to 26 weeks and they later drop. Have patient dear.
Link | ReplyVicky 2 years, 11 months ago
This is the best I had ever read about poultry disease. God bless you sir. Please kindly send to my email. Thanks so much.
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 11 months ago
I am flattered Vicky, thank you. I will send it as soon as possible
Link | ReplyAbimbola Asindi 2 years, 11 months ago
Thanks for the lecture sir, more wisdom please how can I subscribe your newsletter?
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 11 months ago
You are welcome Abimbola. I will notify you when I am done setting up the newsletter.
Link | ReplyFloxy 2 years, 11 months ago
Thanx Sir, for the lecture.kindly, Send to my email
Link | Reply[email protected].
And notify me for your newsletter. Thanks
Samuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 11 months ago
Don't mention... I am glad you it. I will send it as soon as possible. For the newsletter, I will create a link for easy access.
Link | ReplyAbiodun 2 years, 11 months ago
Lovely and educative content.
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 11 months ago
Thank you Abiodun
Link | ReplyComment awaiting approval 2 years, 11 months ago
Joseph Rimamfate Emmanuel 2 years, 11 months ago
This great I wish I have this on my email or as PDF so that I can go through it again and again
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 11 months ago
Thanks Emma. I will send it as soon as possible.
Link | ReplyFolashade 2 years, 11 months ago
This is great, kudos to you, I read through, find it highly educating, I just can't stop buy to copy out.....about 7pages. Tnx for this.
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 11 months ago
You are welcome Folashade
Link | ReplyRose Diala 2 years, 11 months ago
Thank you for the lecture,it was very educative. God bless you 🙏
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 11 months ago
You are welcome. God bless you too.
Link | ReplyKunle Akande (Pst.) 2 years, 11 months ago
Thanks for this great information.God will reward you abundantly.Pls kindly forward it to my email sir.
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 11 months ago
Amen. God bless you too. I will forward it soon.
Link | ReplyFadayomi Alexander 2 years, 11 months ago
May the Lord bless you for this information. More grace, more wisdom. Please send a copy to my email
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 11 months ago
Thanks Alex. I will send it as soon as possible.
Link | ReplyKindly send it to my email sir 2 years, 11 months ago
God bless you sir
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 11 months ago
You are welcome
Link | ReplyBen 2 years, 5 months ago
Good day Mr. Samuel. It is indeed a great pleasure to go through your very well researched and interesting post. I am a Canadian Nigerian and would wish to be in contact with you. Thank you and God bless.
Link | ReplyBen
Samuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 5 months ago
You are welcome Ben. You can email me at [email protected]
Link | ReplyDawda Manga 2 years, 11 months ago
Thank you sir
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 11 months ago
You are welcome
Link | ReplyFunke ogudu 2 years, 11 months ago
Tnk for sharing with us this great asset. I will appreciate having it in my mail box. God bless you.
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 11 months ago
Thanks !
Link | ReplyOkey 2 years, 11 months ago
Am glad I came across this sit n the article well understood, educating n helpful, thanks a lot, I appreciate.
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 11 months ago
You're welcome Okey
Link | ReplyNike 2 years, 11 months ago
Thanks so much for sharing this,it is of a great advantage to me,may God bless u.
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 11 months ago
Don't mention... I'm glad it's helpful
Link | ReplyRuby 2 years, 11 months ago
Thanks a million. This is very educative. I have some of these problems on my hobby farm.
Link | ReplyPlease send to my email.
Samuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 11 months ago
You are welcome Ruby. I will send it as soon as possible.
Link | ReplyAbimbola Ajuwon 2 years, 10 months ago
Thanks I gain a lot, more blessing
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 10 months ago
You are welcome Abimola
Link | ReplyIhebuzoaju chinyere peace 2 years, 10 months ago
Thanks,please can you send it to my email.
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 10 months ago
You are welcome. I will send it as soon as I can.
Link | ReplyRamat Lamidi 2 years, 10 months ago
Great information 👌. Well-done.
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 10 months ago
Thanks Ramat
Link | ReplyFrancis Chuwang 2 years, 10 months ago
I can't fully express how much this write up has upgraded my knowledge of poultry diseases.
Link | ReplyThis is a very rich exposé 👍
Samuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 10 months ago
You are welcome Francis
Link | ReplyJanet Debra 2 years, 10 months ago
Thanks I want to ask a question please my fowl sleep and poo watery and green
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 10 months ago
What breed? How old? Have you given lasota?
Link | ReplyIsmaila Adamu 2 years, 10 months ago
Very educative and helpful.Pls send me a copy through my email.God bless you sir.
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 10 months ago
Is alright Adamu.
Link | ReplyMUTA Abimbola depoly 2 years, 10 months ago
God bless you, What is benefit of formulate feed?
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 10 months ago
Amen. Thanks.
Link | ReplyWhen you formulate your own feed, you are sure all ingredients are in the correct proportion. It will help you to eliminate feed as an option when any problem arises.
CHIYERUM 2 years, 10 months ago
Very insightful. more wins for you.pls sir I need this posted to my email.it will help me practice all you have taught.thanks.
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 10 months ago
Thanks Chiyerum
Link | ReplySINCLAIR JOSHUA CHIGBU 2 years, 10 months ago
THANK U SIR FOR GIVING SUCH A WONDERFUL LECTURE I WISH U CAN SEND IT TO MY EMAIL FOR EASY REFRENCE THANKS IN ANTICIPATION MAY GOD BLESS YOU
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 10 months ago
I am glad it is helpful Joshua.
Link | ReplyYomi Fakayode 2 years, 9 months ago
You have broken down an issue I have been battling with over the years. God enrich you the more.
Link | ReplyWill appreciate it if you can send it to my email. I need to go through over and over again. Stay blessed sir.
Samuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 9 months ago
Amen. I am glad it's helpful. I will send it soon
Link | ReplyOlawunmi 2 years, 9 months ago
Thank you so much, God bless you. So educative
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 9 months ago
Thanks Olawunmi. I am glad it's helpful.
Link | ReplyLawani mary 2 years, 8 months ago
Thank you so much for sharing this idea God bless.
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 8 months ago
You're Welcome Mary
Link | ReplyGold Ugochi Ernest 2 years, 8 months ago
This is very useful and educative. Thank you for the piece of knowledge.
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 8 months ago
I am glad you find it useful Ugochi
Link | ReplyHadiza Hassan 2 years, 6 months ago
A great platform.thank you
Link | ReplyIsrael 2 years, 5 months ago
This is a most have for every poultry farmer.thank you sir for this wonderful work.pls I would love to have it on my email.thank you
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 5 months ago
Thanks for reading. I will send it as PDF.
Link | ReplyChuks 2 years, 4 months ago
Thank you for this information.. I had lost some birds in the past. Green poo,bent neck,fatigue. I was able to save just one and lost even the ones I had started boosting ahead to avoid contracting the disease even while isolated. With this information hopefully to avoid any further future mishap on my birds
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 4 months ago
You are welcome, Chuks. Wishing you a successful Poultry farming.
Link | ReplyCARMELITE M. O. EZEKWGO 2 years, 1 month ago
THIS POST IS REALLY HELPFUL; AS TRULY OPENED MORE OF MY HORIZON TO POULTRY FARMING. PLS SHALL BE MORE GRATEFUL TO RECEIVE UR NEWSLETTERS TO MY EMAIL. TNX A BUNCH
Link | ReplySamuel Ezenwankwo 2 years, 1 month ago
I am glad you find it helpful, Carmelite.
Link | ReplySolomon kehinde 1 year ago
Thanks for this lecture, but u didn't answer my question about brownies poop solution. Thanks
Link | ReplyTitoban Integrated Farms 1 year ago
Very coincise, helpful, and educative.
Link | ReplyGod bless you and increase your wisdom.
Titoban Integrated Farms 1 year ago
Very educative and helpful.
Link | ReplyMay God continue to bless you.
Samuel Ezenwankwo 1 year ago
I'm glad you find it helpful.
Link | ReplyMustapha Musa 11 months, 1 week ago
Thank you very much Sir
Link | ReplyHaruna Tatu Shuaibu 11 months ago
I am overwhelm with these multi talented share.Kudos and God bless
Link | ReplyOmaa 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Please my fowl is having greenish and whitish stool
Link | ReplyWhat can I do they are six weeks
Samuel Ezenwankwo 9 months, 1 week ago
I am Sorry for the late response. Next time, visit a Vet or email me for a quick response.
Link | ReplySolomon Ola 10 months ago
May God bless you immensely for this powerful information. It is really educative.
Link | ReplyIsmat khan 8 months, 1 week ago
Thank you sir for this wondeful information. May God bless you.
Link | ReplyDear respected sir would you please send me this information by Pdf? Thanks.
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