[happychickens]

Hi  One of my marans "Carol" (named because we got her off a neighbour that did not want her on Christmas eve - hence "Christmas Carol") has been off colour for a few days, she has only ever laid one egg and is now about a year old - sorry to be graphic but her poo has never been shaped like the other chickens, generally that neat squiggle! hers have always been splats, however they have gone from being the health green to more a muddy green\brown colour and she has lost weight, I have started her on flubervent in case she has some stomach parasite but not sure if I should be looking at antibiotic or even some food stuff for her? any ideas greatly appreciated.

[Foxy]

Hi happychickens! She could very well have worms, her droppings indicate that this may be the case. Have a good look at Aunties sticky on worms. In the meantime Flubenvent is the best way to go. What you could also add to help get her digestive system in tip top condition is "Apple Cider Vinegar" a super tonic to help the digestive system absorb nutrients as well as providing an inhospitable eniviroment for worms. This is available at most feed stores or horsey places -not Tescos!
See how her droppings are in a week they should start improving.
Overdosing on greens or a change in diet can cause watery loose droppings have you changed their diet at  all recently? Also this time of year heralds the moult causing a reduction in egglaying. Keep an eye on her though if she seems to be visiting the nestbox a bit too frequently in case she is hanging on to an eggy there!

[happychickens]

This morning she seems to have done a huge poop which does look slightly better, she is not at all a broody hen and never sits to lay eggs, the only egg she laid was on the perch overnight and that dropped onto the poop tray below so obviously was not eaten - Shame!  Will keep her on the flubevent and hopefully all will be well.  
They only ever get treats now and then like a bit of cheese or some crumbled digestive biscuits and at present the flubevent is given to them on a quarter grape as its the only was I can guarantee they all get their daily dose - will look to get some vingegar.  Thanks  

[richyrich7]

Friend of mine gives them aniseed to stop them getting constipated, I'll have to ask him where he gets it from. Do you think possibly it could be the cheese ?

[happychickens]

Not sure if its the cheese, she will eat perhaps one bit the size of a penny, she seems to be more of a green girl for treats, which is no bad thing!  She does seem to be eating a bit more grain so perhaps its has been something the flubevent is clearing up - will let you know.