Why do chickens eat their own poop?

Answer 1

I have run breeder houses for many years. Generally when there is "yellow goo", it is actually the yolk of a broken egg. Chickens will sometimes lay, what we call "Jelly eggs". Others may have different names for it but basically it is an egg that does not have a shell. It is just the membrane holding the egg inside. Most often, if layed and not seen right away, it will get broken when other chickens lay in the same nest or move around in the nest. When that happens, the other eggs in the nest will get a "yolk bath" (which is the part most visible to us). If you are laying and want to let a hen brood, then you must make sure the eggs aren't covered in yolk. The yolk on an egg will clog the pores that allow the egg to breath and it will not hatch.

Answer 2

First, the white part of the feces is normal. Chickens do not urinate and expel uric acid along with their feces. Do not worry about the white stuff.

The runny/watery poop is a bit of a concern. A change in diet can do this and if the hens are eating more fruit this time of year that will cause the change. Watch for blood in the stools and make sure they have plenty of clean fresh water as too much loss of liquid will damage or kill the birds. There are products available at feed stores to add to the grain they eat to help reduce this problem but be careful of overuse.

Answer 3

Chickens will often get poop on their feathers and feet from places they walk. But you should specify where on the chicken.

Answer 4

They shouldnt normally