Liquid poop/messy feathers

[Mary]

What works to clear up soft liquid stools? It gets on the feathers sometimes and makes a mess of them. What causes it? Thank you for your help with this matter.

[Altair]

It could be a lot of things. Loose watery droppings innocuously help birds keep cool in hot weather.

[Mary]

Thanks for the encouragement. I sure hope that is what it is. We have had temps in the high 90's to over 100 degrees for several days. During the heat of the day they hang out mostly on my patio and under the arbor as it is shaded by two big silver maples. It is the coolest place around.

[Altair]

Mostly just ride it out and be vigilant for other symptoms, if they present. Have extra watering stations available, some people use misters I've heard.

[3dogs]

It has been 100+ here for a couple of days. I've also seen some runny poop, but they have been drinking more too. I gave them electrolites (sp?) in their water along with some ice.

[Mary]

Excellent idea. Will try. Thank you for your suggestion.

[Oregon Swedes]

I guess if they aren't dying by now, it wasn't some sort of terrible infection.

When I first see runny stools start, I add a spoonful of yogurt to the drinking water. That seems to clear up minor issues. Since I have ducks, stool is expected to be messy, but if it is getting on feathers, then, at least in ducks, something is wrong with the digestive system.

The only chickens I ever have are the Cornish Cross and I give them the yogurt routinely and their droppings are always formed and normal chicken stools.

[Mary]

Oregon, Thanks. I have some in the frig. I will see if I can give all of them a little.