Finding blood in your chicken’s poop can be downright scary! As a backyard chicken keeper for over 8 years, I’ve had my fair share of panic moments when spotting those alarming red streaks But don’t worry – I’m here to help you understand what’s happening and what you need to do next
Understanding Normal Chicken Poop
Before we dive into the bloody stuff, let’s talk about what normal chicken droppings should look like. This might sound gross, but knowing your chicken’s normal poop is essential for spotting problems early!
Healthy chicken droppings typically have
- A firm texture
- Brown or grayish color
- A white cap (which is uric acid)
It’s totally normal for chicken poop to vary somewhat based on diet and environment. If your chickens eat lots of greens, their poop might look greener. Hot weather can cause more watery droppings as chickens drink more water.
You might also occasionally see a really stinky, pudding-like dropping called “cecal poop” – this is normal and happens when a specific part of their digestive system (the ceca) empties.
What Causes Blood in Chicken Poop?
When you see actual red blood in your chicken’s droppings, it’s usually a sign something’s wrong. Here are the most common reasons why your chicken might be pooping blood:
1. Coccidiosis – The Most Common Culprit
Coccidiosis is hands-down the most frequent cause of bloody chicken poop, especially in younger birds. It’s a parasitic disease caused by protozoa that attack the intestinal lining of your chickens.
These nasty parasites damage the intestinal tract, which:
- Prevents proper nutrient absorption
- Causes bleeding in the intestines
- Can be fatal if not treated promptly
Coccidiosis spreads through infected droppings. An infected chicken passes microscopic eggs (oocysts) that can survive in soil for up to a year! These eggs become infectious in warm, humid conditions between 70-90°F, making areas around feeders and waterers prime spots for infection.
The disease develops quickly – with an incubation period of just 4-8 days. You might see your chicken looking fine one day and seriously ill the next.
2. Internal Injuries
Sometimes blood in poop can be caused by internal injuries from:
- Laying extra large eggs
- Straining during egg laying
- Physical trauma to the vent area
3. Other Possible Causes
Less common but still possible causes include:
- Bacterial infections
- Intestinal parasites or worms
- Tumors in the digestive tract
Symptoms to Watch For
Besides bloody droppings, a chicken with coccidiosis might show:
- Lethargy and weakness
- Diarrhea
- Huddling (acting cold)
- Pale combs and skin around eyes
- Loss of appetite
- Stopped laying eggs
- Weight loss
- Ruffled feathers
If you see several of these symptoms along with bloody droppings, you need to act fast! Coccidiosis moves quickly and can kill a chicken if not treated promptly.
Distinguishing Between Blood and Other Red Substances
Not all red stuff in chicken poop is blood. Here’s how to tell the difference:
Orange or Red Stringy Stuff
Sometimes, chicken droppings contain small red or orange string-like pieces. This often isn’t blood at all, but rather parts of the intestinal lining being naturally shed – a totally normal process!
Another cause of red streaks can be red granite grit. Some chicken keepers provide this to help with digestion, and manufacturers often color it red to attract pecking. If you use red granite grit, try removing it for a few days to see if the red appearance goes away.
Bright Red Blood
Clear, bright red blood is the most concerning. This typically indicates bleeding in the lower intestinal tract and is often a sign of coccidiosis.
Black or Very Dark Droppings
If you see black poop, this might actually be digested blood from higher up in the digestive tract. This is also serious and requires immediate attention.
Treatment Options
If you suspect your chicken has coccidiosis or another serious condition causing bloody droppings, here’s what to do:
1. Isolate the Sick Bird
First thing’s first – separate the affected chicken from your flock to prevent spread of disease.
2. Consult a Veterinarian
The only way to be 100% sure your chicken has coccidiosis is to take a fecal sample to the vet for testing. Your vet can also recommend the best treatment plan.
3. Medication
The most commonly prescribed treatments include:
- Amprolium (brand names like Corid): This over-the-counter medication blocks the parasite’s ability to multiply. It’s typically added to drinking water for about 7 days.
- Toltrazuril: Another effective medication your vet might prescribe.
If a chicken refuses to eat or drink, medication can be given orally (by beak), but ask your vet about proper dosage.
4. Support Recovery
After treatment:
- Provide vitamin supplements to help rebuild strength
- Ensure clean, fresh water is always available
- Feed high-quality feed to support recovery
Prevention Is Better Than Treatment
As with most chicken health issues, prevention is way better than trying to treat an outbreak. Here are some essential prevention strategies:
1. Keep Everything Clean and Dry
Coccidiosis thrives in warm, wet environments. Clean the coop regularly and keep the bedding dry. Pay special attention to areas around feeders and waterers, which are prime breeding grounds for parasites.
2. Provide Fresh, Clean Water
Change water regularly and clean waterers often. Consider using nipple waterers instead of open containers to reduce contamination.
3. Avoid Overcrowding
Give your chickens enough space! Overcrowded conditions make disease spread like wildfire. Each chicken needs at least 4 square feet of space inside coops and 10 square feet in runs.
4. Feed Management
- Never throw feed on the ground where it can become contaminated
- Use proper feeders to keep food clean
- For chicks, consider medicated starter feed (if they haven’t been vaccinated)
5. Quarantine New Birds
When adding new chickens to your flock, keep them separate for at least 30 days to ensure they’re not bringing disease with them.
6. Vaccination
Chicks can be vaccinated against coccidiosis. If this option is available, it can save you worry down the road.
7. Build Natural Immunity
Gradually introduce chicks to a properly maintained chicken yard by around 4 weeks of age. This helps them build natural immunity to the strains of coccidiosis present in your environment.
8. Practice Good Biosecurity
Don’t wear the same clothes or shoes, or use the same tools around your chickens that have been used in other poultry areas. This prevents introducing new strains of disease.
When to Deep Clean Your Coop
If you’ve had a coccidiosis outbreak, you’ll need to thoroughly clean the entire coop. Coccidia can survive for up to a year in soil and warm, humid environments.
Remove all droppings and bedding, and deep clean everything. If you’re not sure you’ve removed all traces of the parasites, consider giving your chickens preventative treatment regularly (after consulting with your vet).
My Personal Experience
Last summer, I noticed one of my Rhode Island Reds, Penny, wasn’t her usual perky self. When I checked her droppings, I saw bright red streaks that definitely weren’t normal. I immediately separated her from the flock and called our local vet who specializes in poultry.
The vet confirmed coccidiosis through a fecal test, and we started Penny on Amprolium right away. I treated the entire flock as a precaution and did a complete coop overhaul – fresh bedding, disinfected feeders and waterers, the works!
Penny started showing improvement within 48 hours, and after a week of treatment, she was back to her sassy self. Since then, I’ve been much more vigilant about keeping the coop clean and dry, especially during humid summer months.
Final Thoughts
Finding blood in your chicken’s poop is definitely cause for concern, but with quick action, most cases of coccidiosis and other conditions can be successfully treated. The key is catching it early and responding appropriately.
Remember, your chickens depend on you to notice when something’s wrong. Make checking droppings part of your daily chicken care routine, and you’ll be able to spot problems before they become serious.
Have you dealt with bloody chicken poop before? What worked for your flock? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!
Note: While I’ve shared my knowledge and experience, I’m not a veterinarian. Always consult a qualified poultry vet for definitive diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Coccidiosis in chickens – The Signs
All chickens naturally carry some coccidia in their intestine. Coccidia parasites in small numbers do not cause any symptoms or ill-health. However, signs of coccidiosis needing treatment include:
- Bloody or watery diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
- Pale combs and wattles
- Droopy posture and wings
- Ruffled or puffed up feathers
- Droopy, dull or glazed eyes
- Poor growth in chicks
- Death
Coccidiosis usually affects:
- New chicks that dont have any immunity to the parasite yet
- Young birds
- Sick or unwell birds
- Birds that are suffering from malnutrition
- Birds suffering from high parasite loads or other stresses
Coccidiosis is unlikely to affect an average, healthy, adult chicken unless you introduce a new strain of the parasite into the chicken coop. Your hens build a resistance to the coccidia they live with over time. They have little to no resistance or immunity to newly introduced coccidia strains. It is the primary cause of a coccidiosis outbreak in the coop and is more common than you’d think.
Coccidia varies greatly between sites. So much so, that your neighbour most likely has different strains than your coop. It is because of this it is so easy to introduce new coccidia. Even dirty shoes from someone else’s coop are enough. This is why chicken coop hygiene and good practices for introducing new birds are so important.
How to treat coccidiosis infections in chickens
Coccidiosis spreads quickly, and the survival of poultry depends on rapid treatment.
While you should always isolate sick birds immediately to prevent the spread of disease, if one bird is ill chances are high that the whole group soon will be.
Treatment for coccodiosis is with sulfa drugs or anticoccidial drugs. Amprolium is an anticoccidial drug available without a prescription and is a fast, highly effective treatment for coccidiosis. Use caution when using Sulfamonaides also know as Sulfas. Sulfa drugs can cause a toxic overdose.
As reported in the Polish Journal of Veterinary Sciences, evidence supports the use of Apple Cider Vinegar to combat coccidiosis. In short, their findings indicated:
- ACV has an anticoccidial effect in poultry
- Causes a decrease in the number of coccidial oocytes in the faeces
- Aids in lowering coccidial resistance to drug treatment
Although this study was limited, further research and studies continue. But so far, thats a great thumbs up for ACV and those backyard chicken keepers who want a more holistic approach and not to rely on drugs or commercially available medications alone. Read the full study
Why Is There Blood In My Chicken’s Poop?! – Five Minute Chicken Tips!
FAQ
Why is my chicken’s poop bloody?
If you notice bloody poop in your chicken, it’s a common symptom of coccidiosis. This serious parasitic disease attacks the chickens’ intestinal lining and is caused by a single-cell parasite called Coccidia.
Why is my chicken’s poop red?
If your chicken’s poop is clear red with blood, it could be a sign of coccidiosis, a serious parasitic disease that requires immediate attention. Changes in the texture, color, and structure of chicken poop can indicate underlying problems. Orange and red stringy poop is usually harmless and related to the shedding of intestinal linings or diet variations.
What does blood in chicken poop mean?
Blood in chicken poop can be accompanied by changes in color, consistency, or volume. For example, if you notice that their droppings are becoming more watery or runny, it may indicate a kidney or digestive issue. Other behavioral signs to look out for include lethargy, loss of feathers, or excessive dust-bathing.
What should I do if my chicken is pooping blood?
If you notice chicken bloody stools, immediately take measures to stop the disease from advancing and spreading. If possible, identify and isolate the affected chicken from the rest of the flock. This is especially important if the blood in the poop is accompanied by other Coccidiosis symptoms.
What does black chicken poop indicate?
Black chicken poop can be caused by diet or indicate internal bleeding, which should be addressed by a veterinarian. Clear red blood in chicken poop can be a sign of coccidiosis, a serious parasitic disease that requires immediate attention.
What disease is associated with chicken bloody stools?
Once you notice chicken bloody stools, immediately take measures to stop the disease from advancing and spreading. Especially if the blood in the poop is accompanied by other Coccidiosis symptoms, you should isolate the affected chicken and separate it from the rest of the flock right away.
How do you treat blood in chickens poop?
How to naturally treat coccidiosis in chickens?
What does a chicken with coccidiosis look like?
Coccidiosis in chickens primarily presents with severe, often bloody, diarrhea and unkempt, ruffled feathers. Other signs include weakness, lethargy, a pale or anemic appearance with pale combs and skin, reduced appetite, stunted growth, and dehydration. The disease is caused by a protozoal parasite that damages the intestinal lining, and confirming the diagnosis requires a fecal sample to be tested by a veterinarian.
What does blood in chicken poo mean?
If blood is found in a chicken’s poo, this can be an indication that a chicken has coccidiosis. This is a serious intestinal infection that can spread to your entire flock. And can, unfortunately, result in death if not attended to properly.