[Pam]

I have a cross maran hen whose faeces are black and tarry - she lays consistently and seems healthy enough - her vent looks clean and moist and I can't see any parasites.  The other hens all seem ok and produce dry droppings - is it anything to worry about?

[Aunt Sally]

Black tarry faeces, in any speces not just chickens, would make me think there was a bleeding problem high up in the gut.  But this would probably cause anaemia and you say she seems healthy and is laying well.  So I'm stumped.  Others will be along soon with other ideas  

[muntjac]

is she a soil eater ? .uncommon but a few hens decide to eat small lumps of soil and for no other reason than they are wierd , some "" experts "" say its because they lack a certain mineral and eat to soil to replenish it . it does no harm but i should worm her among with the rest of the flock to make sure that worms are under control