Hen Has Undigested Feed in Poop and Pale Comb Whats Wrong?

[SustainableSoul]

Hey everyone! Im a bit worried about my 9-month-old Black Australorp hen. For the past couple of weeks, Ive noticed undigested feed in her poop it looks kind of like mushy feed, not her usual droppings.

On top of that, her comb has gotten pale at the top, and shes been a lot less active. Shes been staying in a box in our garage for about two weeks because of pecking issues with the flock. Its warmer in the garage (around the 50s) while the outside temps are in the 30s, so shes been out of the cold for a bit.

Shes still eating, drinking, and laying normally, and she has access to grit and oyster shells. I havent gotten any pictures of her poop yet, but Ill try to soon.

Any ideas on what could be going on? Id really appreciate any advice!

[HenAndTonic]

I'd wonder about stress from isolation affecting her digestion. Maybe try giving her some high-protein treats like scrambled eggs to boost her energy.

[HatchlingHero]

Check her crop first thing in the morning , it shouldn't be full or squishy. If it is, you might be dealing with a crop problem.

[RuralRooster]

Hey everyone! Im a bit worried about my 9-month-old Black Australorp hen. For the past couple of weeks, Ive noticed undigested feed in her poop it looks kind of like mushy feed, not her usual droppings.

On top of that, her comb has gotten pale at the top, and shes been a lot less active. Shes been staying in a box in our garage for about two weeks because of pecking issues with the flock. Its warmer in the garage (around the 50s) while the outside temps are in the 30s, so shes been out of the cold for a bit.

Shes still eating, drinking, and laying normally, and she has access to grit and oyster shells. I havent gotten any pictures of her poop yet, but Ill try to soon.

Any ideas on what could be going on? Id really appreciate any advice!

Sounds like a possible digestion issue , maybe a lack of grit absorption. You could also check for worms or a crop problem.

[HatcheryEnchanter]

Hey everyone! Im a bit worried about my 9-month-old Black Australorp hen. For the past couple of weeks, Ive noticed undigested feed in her poop it looks kind of like mushy feed, not her usual droppings.

On top of that, her comb has gotten pale at the top, and shes been a lot less active. Shes been staying in a box in our garage for about two weeks because of pecking issues with the flock. Its warmer in the garage (around the 50s) while the outside temps are in the 30s, so shes been out of the cold for a bit.

Shes still eating, drinking, and laying normally, and she has access to grit and oyster shells. I havent gotten any pictures of her poop yet, but Ill try to soon.

Any ideas on what could be going on? Id really appreciate any advice!

Given the combination of pale comb, undigested feed, and reduced activity, I'd be a bit concerned about an internal parasite load like worms or coccidiosis. Even if she's still eating and laying, those issues can develop slowly and cause nutrient absorption problems. A vet fecal test would be the most accurate way to check, but if that's not an option, you could consider treating her with a broad-spectrum dewormer. Since she's been isolated, the stress could also impact her immune system. I'd make sure she's getting plenty of protein and maybe add electrolytes or vitamins to her water.

[BettyBantam]

Hey everyone! Im a bit worried about my 9-month-old Black Australorp hen. For the past couple of weeks, Ive noticed undigested feed in her poop it looks kind of like mushy feed, not her usual droppings.

On top of that, her comb has gotten pale at the top, and shes been a lot less active. Shes been staying in a box in our garage for about two weeks because of pecking issues with the flock. Its warmer in the garage (around the 50s) while the outside temps are in the 30s, so shes been out of the cold for a bit.

Shes still eating, drinking, and laying normally, and she has access to grit and oyster shells. I havent gotten any pictures of her poop yet, but Ill try to soon.

Any ideas on what could be going on? Id really appreciate any advice!

It's a good sign that she's still laying, but the pale comb and digestive issues suggest something's off. I'd start with checking her crop, then consider deworming. Stress from isolation can also affect her, so some extra protein and vitamins might help.

[FeatheredGuardian]

I'd suspect coccidiosis or worms. Even if she's eating and laying, those symptoms can sneak up fast. Deworming might be worth trying.

[EggSeeker]

Could she be cold even in the garage? Lower temps and stress can affect digestion. A heat lamp or extra bedding might help her stay comfortable.