Relapse of sickness in chickens.

yinzerchick

Songster
8 Years
Jun 13, 2011
361
5
108
E.Texas
This hen was acting lethargic, and had yellowish sticky droppings all stuck to her bottom several weeks ago. I brought her in, wormed her, cleaned her up in a warm epsom salt bath, and gave her .5ml of Tylan 50.
I kept her isolated, and dosed her with the Tylan 50 for 5 days. She seemed to perk up so I put her back with the others in the coop. I retreated with the Valbazen 10 days after the first time. She was fine for the next few weeks.
Yesterday, I noticed her acting the same as previously. I've just repeated the first treatment, but didn't worm her again. I took some pics prior to bathing her this time.

She's all cleaned up now and resting in a pet carrier in my bathroom. I did notice her breathing was a little raspy...but it was right after I dosed her orally with the Tylan 50, so I don't know if that had anything to do with it, as I hadn't noticed it while bathing her.

From these pictures does anyone have any ideas what could be wrong with this girl? I have 2 other hens that seem to be acting suspicious, but at least they're still foraging and eating, and they don't have messy bottoms. This one is not eating or drinking. She stopped the first time too...

I'm stumped...Any thoughts will be appreciated!
Thanks!
Deb


 
Looks like it could be Egg Yolk Peritonitis (EYP). I'm not sure if you've heard of it, but basically something goes wrong with their laying system and they start to lay an egg internally, and that builds up fluids over time which can form around their lungs and hence cause difficulty in breathing. Also the fluid can become infected, which is good that you used antibiotics. A classic sign of EYP is yellow or egg-yolk-like poop. I've had a hen who's been through this before and I saved her- many people think it isn't treatable but it in fact is. If you can take her to a vet, do so because they will likely give you strong antibiotics (usually Amoxyclav). If not, I suggest dosing her with calcium syrup by weight on a daily basis and continue with an antibiotic (possibly broad spectrum is a better idea). Keep her warm and try to syringe feed her if you can. I used to mash up their food with some honey and warm water and syringe it down her beak. Try to tempt her with soft foods.
 
Thank you!
I was thinking it might have something to do with internal laying.
I kept her inside last night and dosed her with the Tylan 50 again today. She ate a little bit and her bottom stayed clean since her bath. I put her back outside just a little bit ago, and will continue the antibiotic for at least 3 more days. I did give her .75ml dose instead of .5ml. I'm hoping to knock out any infection fast.
Thanks again!
 
You are very welcome :) I would very much like for your chooky to get better. If you can get liquid calcium and give that to her everyday to help expel excess fluid, please do so. Dose by weight if possible. I use one called Calcivet but I'm not sure if that brand is available in all countries (I live in Australia).
You're doing well for her with the antibiotic too :) she may need more than 5 days worth. My chook was on 2 weeks worth of a high dose of amoxyclav.
Let me know how she goes!
 

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