chicken poo!

[slinkycat]

I recently got 5 point of lay pullets, all about 18 weeks old. I'm feeding them on layers pellets, and gradually introducing a few greens into their diet.
I've noticed that their night time droppings look normal and firm, but throughout the day they are sometimes very loose, and sometimes contain what appear to be undigested pellets.
All the chickens look happy, healthy, bright eyed and active, should I be concerned or am I just an over anxious novice?
By the way, don't want to give the impression I spend all my time examining chicken poop!

[wildwood]

You are probably overdoing the greens. The layer pellets contains all that the chooks need and they have most likely been brought up on a similar prepared all-in diet. Try cutting down on the greens drastically and increase it a lot slower.

The yellower yolks resulting from the greens in no way improves the taste or nutritional value of the eggs.

[beejay1124]

slinky -make sure you give them poultry grit too

[Kleiber]

Ditto what the others have said - mine get pellets in the morning & corn at night & plenty of grit, although if yours are free range, they'll find that themselves in the garden/field, whatever. Always make sure they've got plenty fresh water, though, as that's essential for their digestive tracts and for laying. By the way, the chicken poo makes great fertiliser/compost for the garden!

[slinkycat]

Ta for your replies, don't think its due to too many greens though, I've only given them one cabbage leaf or a few dandelion leaves between them every couple of days. will try cutting them out completely for a while though.
As for the grit, I had provided some, until I read that they don't need it until they start laying, and that given too early it can cause egg binding problems.
I'm finding it a real learning curve, good fun watching them as well!

[Kleiber]

Slinkycat, they need grit, whether they're laying or not. It helps them grind up the food in their crop & digest it properly.