Okay, so I hatched out about 15 Black and Blue Copper Marans around the first of February, and now have 5. We kept them inside Until they were about 10 weeks old, where we moved them to a rabbit hutch. A few days after moving them outside I had a few die, and noted that it looked like their back ends were completely blown out. It was the weirdest thing I've ever seen. Then, I started losing a chick or two every 4-5 days. I noticed that they had really nasty white/grey poo, runny, and that their vents looked like they were protruding. They would still eat/drink, though you could tell they didn't feel great. They would fluff up their feathers, and hunker down in a corner. It has been over a week since I've lost any and everybody was looking good. They are still eating medicated feed (finishing out a bag) are not on the dirt, get clean water every day, and wild birds can't get to them. Went out there this morning and my last rooster (He'll make the 3rd one, or else I would think it's a prolapse type issue) is showing the same symptoms. I don't know what to do! I talked to our Vet, who worked with farm animals eons ago, and he suggested that I take them off the medicated feed, and put them on an enzyme or probiotic, and a nutritional supplement. He also thought salmonella might be the culprit, but like I said, it's been almost 35 years since he worked with anything other than cats and dogs.
I'm a total loss. Should I take the sick bird out? Is there anything I can give them? I thought about yogurt, because I know it has good enzymes. I just have no idea what the deal is, and why I can have healthy looking birds for a whole week and then bam, same ol' problem.
Anyone have any ideas? I've researched Salmonella, but can't find much info on treating live birds. I'm also pregnant and have been trying to limit my interaction with them in general. My sweet little backyard chicken arrangement is quickly turning into a mess.
I'm a total loss. Should I take the sick bird out? Is there anything I can give them? I thought about yogurt, because I know it has good enzymes. I just have no idea what the deal is, and why I can have healthy looking birds for a whole week and then bam, same ol' problem.
Anyone have any ideas? I've researched Salmonella, but can't find much info on treating live birds. I'm also pregnant and have been trying to limit my interaction with them in general. My sweet little backyard chicken arrangement is quickly turning into a mess.
