<p>Noticing blood in your chickens’ droppings can feel scary — but you’re not alone. This guide walks you through the most common causes, what to look for, and how to act fast to protect your flock.</p>
<h2>Why Do Chickens Have Bloody Droppings?</h2>
<p>Bloody stools in chickens usually indicate damage to the intestinal lining. The most frequent cause is <strong>coccidiosis</strong>, a parasitic infection that causes inflammation and bleeding. Other causes include injury, severe bacterial infections, or worm infestation.</p>
<p>However, normal cecal droppings may sometimes look dark red or tar‑colored—test via vet diagnosis to confirm.</p>
<h2>🩸 What Are the Signs of Coccidiosis?</h2>
<p><strong>Is this droppings your chicken passed?</strong> If you see blood or mucus in watery droppings, it’s often coccidiosis. Other signs:</p>
<ul>
<li>Diarrhea (sometimes bloody or mucoid) and dehydration</li>
<li>Pale combs or wattles from anemia</li>
<li>Ruffled feathers, lethargy, poor appetite, weight loss</li>
<li>Huddling or coldness, especially in young birds</li>
<li>Failure to grow or lay eggs normally</li>
</ul>
<h2>✅ What Should You Do First?</h2>
<ol>
<li><strong>Isolate the sick bird(s).</strong> Give them a warm, stress‑free spot with clean bedding and fresh water.</li>
<li><strong>Collect a fecal sample.</strong> Take it to a poultry vet or diagnostic lab for a fecal float test to confirm coccidia.</li>
<li><strong>Deep‑clean the coop.</strong> Remove wet or soiled litter, disinfect feeders, waterers, and equipment.</li>
</ol>
<h2>How to Treat Coccidiosis in Chickens</h2>
<p>If coccidiosis is confirmed (or strongly suspected), treatment is effective—especially when started early:</p>
<h3>Amprolium (Corid)</h3>
<p>Add Amprolium to the flock’s drinking water. Typical dosage is ~2 tsp per gallon for 5–7 days. Offer this as the *only* water source during treatment.</p>
<p>In severe cases, follow with a weaker dose (~½ tsp/gallon) for another week. Avoid giving vitamin supplements during active treatment—they interfere with drug efficacy. Afterward, support with a vitamin tonic like Poultry Cell for 3–4 days.</p>
<h3>Toltrazuril or Sulfa Drugs</h3>
<p>Veterinarians may recommend Toltrazuril (~6 mg/kg for two days). Avoid simultaneous B‑vitamin supplementation. Sulfonamides may be used following vet guidance, usually in two cycles spaced a few days apart.</p>
<h3>Supportive Care</h3>
<p>Keep the bird warm, hydrated, and stress‑free. Offer easily digestible feed and monitor progress daily. Ensure coop stays dry—coccidia thrive in damp bedding.</p>
<h2>Preventing Bloody Droppings Going Forward</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Maintain clean bedding.</strong> Dry, fluffy litter reduces oocyst survival and spread.</li>
<li><strong>Clean waterers often.</strong> Prevent fecal contamination of drinking water.</li>
<li><strong>Limit flock density.</strong> Overcrowding increases infection risk.</li>
<li><strong>Quarantine new birds.</strong> Keep newcomers separate for ~3 weeks to watch for symptoms.</li>
<li><strong>Consider vaccination.</strong> Some flocks benefit if available.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Other Causes of Bloody Stool</h2>
<p>While coccidiosis is by far the most common cause, rare cases may include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Intestinal trauma (sharp objects, aggressive pecking)</li>
<li>Severe bacterial enteritis or necrotic enteritis</li>
<li>Heavy worm infestation or cecal worm issues</li>
</ul>
<p>These typically accompany additional signs. If treating for coccidiosis doesn’t work, follow a vet’s diagnosis plan.</p>
<h2>When to Get Veterinary Help</h2>
<ul>
<li>If symptoms worsen after 24 hours of treatment</li>
<li>If multiple birds fall ill rapidly</li>
<li>If egg production drops sharply or birds appear severely dehydrated</li>
</ul>
<p>A veterinarian can check for secondary infections or perform necropsy if needed.</p>
<h2>Real‑World Example</h2>
<p>A keeper noticed one pullet with droopy wings and blood‑tinged droppings. They isolated her, administered Corid water for a week, then gave vitamins for recovery. The bird perked up within 48 hours and resumed laying shortly after. Nearby birds remained healthy—thanks to proper coop cleaning and isolation.</p>
<h2>🧠 Summary Table</h2>
<table>
<thead>
<tr><th>Symptom</th><th>Likely Cause</th><th>Immediate Action</th></tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr><td>Bloody or mucoid diarrhea</td><td>Coccidiosis</td><td>Isolate, collect sample, start Amprolium</td></tr>
<tr><td>Clear red droppings</td><td>Cecal material / shedding</td><td>Monitor, vet confirmation</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lethargy, pale comb, poor appetite</td><td>Parasite infection or anemia</td><td>Treat, hydrate, clean coop</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>Blood in chicken droppings usually signals intestinal issues—most often coccidiosis. Catching it early, isolating sick birds, cleaning the coop, and using treatments like Amprolium makes a huge difference.</p>
<p><strong>Your next steps:</strong> confirm diagnosis via fecal testing, treat the whole flock, and maintain strict coop hygiene. With proper care, chickens can recover fully and return to laying happily.</p>