The relationship between water intake and the production of “wet” droppings in the domestic fowl

Abstract

Synopsis Production of “wet” droppings by laying hens was associated with polydipsia. Restriction of “wet droppers” to a “normal” water intake did not lead to dehydration, loss of body weight, decline in water balance or changes in electrolyte excretion and retention. It is concluded that “wet” droppings were the direct result of a primary polydipsia rather than an obligatory loss of body water followed by an increased water intake.