Why Are My Eggs Poopy? 3 Things to Check
Sarah SimonShare
Guest Post By Karen Howeth - What the Clucks Up
Instagram: @WhatTheClucksUp
Let's talk about poopy eggs!
Nobody likes opening the nesting box and finding an egg covered in poop. Every once in a while, it happens. A hen can step in a mess and then hop right into the nesting box. But if you are suddenly finding more dirty eggs than usual, it is worth paying attention to what is going on with your flock. Changes in droppings can have a few different causes, including parasites and digestive upset.
Diet is another thing to think about. Did you recently change their feed? Are you giving them more treats than you normally do? Too many treats, especially watery ones, can sometimes upset their digestion. I like to keep their regular feed balanced and make changes slowly. Pumpkin seeds and herbs can also be a fun addition to your flock's treat routine. Just remember that treats should be an addition to their diet, not a replacement for their regular feed.
Then there is heat and stress. Chickens can really feel the heat, and changes or stressful situations can affect them too. Make sure they have plenty of fresh water and clean, dry nesting areas. If you keep finding poopy eggs or notice other changes with your chickens, don't just keep washing the eggs and moving on. Take a minute to look at what might be causing the problem. Sometimes your flock is trying to tell you that something needs a little attention.
Karen Howeth is the creator behind What the Clucks Up, where chicken keeping meets real life, a little humor, and plenty of feathers. She and her husband, Steve, live in Northern Colorado with a flock of around 50 chickens, turkeys, and ducks. Their birds are more than pets, they’re part of the family and a big part of everyday life, from growing herbs and gardening with the flock in mind to figuring out all the wonderfully weird things poultry can get themselves into.
Karen’s expertise comes from hands-on experience and a genuine passion for learning everything she can about raising happy, healthy birds, and then sharing what she learns with others. She especially loves helping new chicken keepers navigate those “Wait…is this normal?!” moments with practical information, real-life experience, and a healthy dose of humor. Because with chickens, there’s always something clucking up! Connect with Karen on Instagram @WhatTheClucksUp.