Hen Lethargic with Bloody Droppings

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BettyBantam
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Hen Lethargic with Bloody Droppings

Post by BettyBantam »

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!
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NestNurturer
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Re: Hen Lethargic with Bloody Droppings

Post by NestNurturer »

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
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Re: Hen Lethargic with Bloody Droppings

Post by ScratcherSavant »

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
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Re: Hen Lethargic with Bloody Droppings

Post by BroodyBella »

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
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Re: Hen Lethargic with Bloody Droppings

Post by WattleScribe »

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
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Re: Hen Lethargic with Bloody Droppings

Post by GreenThumbed »

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
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Re: Hen Lethargic with Bloody Droppings

Post by PluckyPioneer »

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
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Re: Hen Lethargic with Bloody Droppings

Post by CoopAlchemist »

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
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Re: Hen Lethargic with Bloody Droppings

Post by FluffyFeatherFiend »

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.
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HenHaven
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Re: Hen Lethargic with Bloody Droppings

Post by HenHaven »

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.
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