Hen Lethargic with Bloody Droppings
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BettyBantam - Eggling
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Fri Jan 31, 2025 12:18 am
Hen Lethargic with Bloody Droppings
I'm really worried about my hen and could use some advice. She has been acting lethargic all day, standing in one spot, looking fluffed up, and not engaging much with the rest of the flock. She is usually active and alert, so this is a big change in behavior.
A little while ago, I checked on her again and noticed that she has bloody droppings. They are definitely red, not just dark or rusty-colored like cecal droppings. I haven't seen any other hens with this issue, but I'm worried it could be something contagious.
She's about 1 year old and has been on layer feed. I haven't introduced any new birds recently, and the rest of the flock seems fine so far. I clean the coop regularly, but we did have some wet weather recently, so I'm wondering if that could be a factor.
I've heard that coccidiosis can cause bloody droppings, but I don't know if that's the issue or something else. Should I start treatment right away, or is there another possible cause? Any advice on what I should do next would be greatly appreciated!
A little while ago, I checked on her again and noticed that she has bloody droppings. They are definitely red, not just dark or rusty-colored like cecal droppings. I haven't seen any other hens with this issue, but I'm worried it could be something contagious.
She's about 1 year old and has been on layer feed. I haven't introduced any new birds recently, and the rest of the flock seems fine so far. I clean the coop regularly, but we did have some wet weather recently, so I'm wondering if that could be a factor.
I've heard that coccidiosis can cause bloody droppings, but I don't know if that's the issue or something else. Should I start treatment right away, or is there another possible cause? Any advice on what I should do next would be greatly appreciated!
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NestNurturer - Hatchling
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:31 pm
- Location: São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
Re: Hen Lethargic with Bloody Droppings
BettyBantam wrote: Sun Feb 16, 2025 10:04 am I'm really worried about my hen and could use some advice. She has been acting lethargic all day, standing in one spot, looking fluffed up, and not engaging much with the rest of the flock. She is usually active and alert, so this is a big change in behavior.
A little while ago, I checked on her again and noticed that she has bloody droppings. They are definitely red, not just dark or rusty-colored like cecal droppings. I haven't seen any other hens with this issue, but I'm worried it could be something contagious.
She's about 1 year old and has been on layer feed. I haven't introduced any new birds recently, and the rest of the flock seems fine so far. I clean the coop regularly, but we did have some wet weather recently, so I'm wondering if that could be a factor.
I've heard that coccidiosis can cause bloody droppings, but I don't know if that's the issue or something else. Should I start treatment right away, or is there another possible cause? Any advice on what I should do next would be greatly appreciated!
Definitely sounds like coccidiosis. Treat with Corid ASAP,don't wait for a vet visit. If she's not drinking, you may need to give it orally.
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ScratcherSavant - Eggling
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:31 pm
Re: Hen Lethargic with Bloody Droppings
Keep her warm and isolated. Sick birds often get bullied, making recovery harder. A quiet space with easy access to food and water will help her heal.
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BroodyBella - Hatchling
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:28 pm
- Location: Victoria, Canada
Re: Hen Lethargic with Bloody Droppings
Bloody stool, lethargy, and standing still are classic signs of coccidiosis. It's a fast-moving disease, but thankfully, Corid is an effective treatment. Mix it into the drinking water as directed (1.5 tsp powder per gallon or 2 tsp liquid per gallon for five days). Remove vitamins while treating since they interfere with Corid's function. If she's not drinking, use a dropper to administer it directly. Isolate her to prevent bullying and ensure she gets enough fluids.
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WattleScribe - Hatchling
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:54 pm
Re: Hen Lethargic with Bloody Droppings
BettyBantam wrote: Sun Feb 16, 2025 10:04 am I'm really worried about my hen and could use some advice. She has been acting lethargic all day, standing in one spot, looking fluffed up, and not engaging much with the rest of the flock. She is usually active and alert, so this is a big change in behavior.
A little while ago, I checked on her again and noticed that she has bloody droppings. They are definitely red, not just dark or rusty-colored like cecal droppings. I haven't seen any other hens with this issue, but I'm worried it could be something contagious.
She's about 1 year old and has been on layer feed. I haven't introduced any new birds recently, and the rest of the flock seems fine so far. I clean the coop regularly, but we did have some wet weather recently, so I'm wondering if that could be a factor.
I've heard that coccidiosis can cause bloody droppings, but I don't know if that's the issue or something else. Should I start treatment right away, or is there another possible cause? Any advice on what I should do next would be greatly appreciated!
If Corid doesn't help within 48 hours, take a stool sample to a vet for a fecal test. It could be something else entirely, like bacterial enteritis.
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GreenThumbed - Chick Keeper
- Posts: 27
- Joined: Mon Jan 13, 2025 10:17 am
- Location: Sindangjawa, Indonesia
Re: Hen Lethargic with Bloody Droppings
Since she's standing still and lethargic, her body is probably weak from dehydration. Along with Corid, try offering water mixed with electrolytes and a bit of honey for energy.
A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg.
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PluckyPioneer - Eggling
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:31 pm
Re: Hen Lethargic with Bloody Droppings
BettyBantam wrote: Sun Feb 16, 2025 10:04 am I'm really worried about my hen and could use some advice. She has been acting lethargic all day, standing in one spot, looking fluffed up, and not engaging much with the rest of the flock. She is usually active and alert, so this is a big change in behavior.
A little while ago, I checked on her again and noticed that she has bloody droppings. They are definitely red, not just dark or rusty-colored like cecal droppings. I haven't seen any other hens with this issue, but I'm worried it could be something contagious.
She's about 1 year old and has been on layer feed. I haven't introduced any new birds recently, and the rest of the flock seems fine so far. I clean the coop regularly, but we did have some wet weather recently, so I'm wondering if that could be a factor.
I've heard that coccidiosis can cause bloody droppings, but I don't know if that's the issue or something else. Should I start treatment right away, or is there another possible cause? Any advice on what I should do next would be greatly appreciated!
Have you checked for worms? Some parasites, like capillary worms, can cause bloody stool. A fecal float test from a vet would confirm if parasites are the issue. If it's coccidiosis, Corid will help, but if it's worms, you'll need a dewormer like Safeguard (fenbendazole). Since she's lethargic, hydration is key. Try adding electrolytes to her water in addition to the Corid treatment.
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CoopAlchemist - Hatchling
- Posts: 19
- Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:39 pm
- Location: San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Re: Hen Lethargic with Bloody Droppings
BettyBantam wrote: Sun Feb 16, 2025 10:04 am I'm really worried about my hen and could use some advice. She has been acting lethargic all day, standing in one spot, looking fluffed up, and not engaging much with the rest of the flock. She is usually active and alert, so this is a big change in behavior.
A little while ago, I checked on her again and noticed that she has bloody droppings. They are definitely red, not just dark or rusty-colored like cecal droppings. I haven't seen any other hens with this issue, but I'm worried it could be something contagious.
She's about 1 year old and has been on layer feed. I haven't introduced any new birds recently, and the rest of the flock seems fine so far. I clean the coop regularly, but we did have some wet weather recently, so I'm wondering if that could be a factor.
I've heard that coccidiosis can cause bloody droppings, but I don't know if that's the issue or something else. Should I start treatment right away, or is there another possible cause? Any advice on what I should do next would be greatly appreciated!
Aside from coccidiosis, another possibility is an intestinal injury from eating something sharp. If she had access to anything like rough bedding or small sharp objects, it could cause bleeding. Still, coccidiosis is the most likely culprit. It spreads through feces, so check the rest of the flock for symptoms. Disinfecting the coop and ensuring dry bedding can help prevent reinfection. Treating all birds might be the safest option.
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FluffyFeatherFiend - Hatchling
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:30 pm
- Location: Darkhan, Mongolia
Re: Hen Lethargic with Bloody Droppings
BettyBantam wrote: Sun Feb 16, 2025 10:04 am I'm really worried about my hen and could use some advice. She has been acting lethargic all day, standing in one spot, looking fluffed up, and not engaging much with the rest of the flock. She is usually active and alert, so this is a big change in behavior.
A little while ago, I checked on her again and noticed that she has bloody droppings. They are definitely red, not just dark or rusty-colored like cecal droppings. I haven't seen any other hens with this issue, but I'm worried it could be something contagious.
She's about 1 year old and has been on layer feed. I haven't introduced any new birds recently, and the rest of the flock seems fine so far. I clean the coop regularly, but we did have some wet weather recently, so I'm wondering if that could be a factor.
I've heard that coccidiosis can cause bloody droppings, but I don't know if that's the issue or something else. Should I start treatment right away, or is there another possible cause? Any advice on what I should do next would be greatly appreciated!
What does the bloody poop look like? Bright red streaks suggest coccidiosis, while darker, tarry stools can indicate internal bleeding from something else, like a severe worm load or even cancer. If she's not responding to Corid within 24 hours, consider treating for worms too. Keep her separated, warm, and hydrated.
Re: Hen Lethargic with Bloody Droppings
Treat for coccidiosis first since it's the most likely cause, but keep an eye on other symptoms. Does she have labored breathing, a swollen crop, or odd posture? If Corid doesn't work, you might need a different diagnosis.