2 hens and 1 rooster - health problems

[tafreeh]

I had 4 chickens and now only 3 left. I would like to discuss one by one and all of 'em of approx 2 years of age now:-
Name Meer: Male: He has lost interest in food but eats sometimes and drinks a lot. He also takes care of her fellow hens and dose does not interfere when hens eat from the pot. What should I feed him what would he like most?
Name Ricky: Male: Well, he is no more but how I lost him would like to tell for knowledge. He had some fracture in her one leg, could not run or walk easily and used to sit a lot. He was very brave and after that injury, he could live only 5 months more. I took care of him a lot, I took him to the Vet also but here vet knows nothing and really they don't care for birds. I wonder what do they do in bird hospital. What can be done for this injury, if you have no help? Please share.
Name Hazel: Female: She is the most beautiful lady of all. She was laying eggs for last month but for last 10 days she is not and now it seems she is egg bound as I check the internet for the symptoms. Again I don't have any vet and I tried soaking her twice today in warm water and gave her calcium tablet. She is showing very less interest in food and drinking water with apple cider vinegar and milk. But still, I am worried as she is sleeping a lot and eating less. today was the first day of symptoms. She has got heavy soft tummy now.
Name Manto: Female: The most excited one in the flock and takes high flights she is tidy and eats almost everything I offer to her. But she is underweight, very light. I am worried about her health. She got some wounds and I have no idea how, and it's been more than 5 months these wounds still bleed and bleed a lot. She loses lots of blood. The vet is careless and stupid he doesn't even know to do dressing oh God!! I am dressing her leg and one toe, but it is not helping much.
Note: Dislike veg, maze, pulses, chickpeas.
Used to like onion, boiled rice with boiled garlic, boiled chickpeas.
Like potato chips, sugar, sweet corn, milk
And trust me I tried everything to feed them but they seem moody since they were very tiny!
I live in a small flat barely have sunlight's access and not enough ground for them to wander.
Hens lay maximum 2 eggs at a time but now more eggs for last almost 2 weeks.
Today I gave calcium pill to each and vinegar water.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Name Meer: Male: He has lost interest in food but eats sometimes and drinks a lot. He also takes care of her fellow hens and dose does not interfere when hens eat from the pot. What should I feed him what would he like most?

Welcome To BYC

If you have some photos of each chicken that you would like to share, that would be helpful. Especially Mantos bleeding wounds.

Check Meer's crop to see if it's emptying overnight - drinking a lot could be an indication that he has a crop problem
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/impacted-slow-and-sour-crops-prevention-and-treatments

Name Hazel: Female: She is the most beautiful lady of all. She was laying eggs for last month but for last 10 days she is not and now it seems she is egg bound as I check the internet for the symptoms. Again I don't have any vet and I tried soaking her twice today in warm water and gave her calcium tablet. She is showing very less interest in food and drinking water with apple cider vinegar and milk. But still, I am worried as she is sleeping a lot and eating less. today was the first day of symptoms. She has got heavy soft tummy now.

For Hazel - have you checked about 1inch inside her vent and felt for any egg?
Having a heavy soft tummy, she may be suffering from a reproductive or internal laying disorder like Egg Yolk Peritonitis, Ascites, cancer or tumors. You can try soaking her in a warm epsom salts bath and giving her supportive care of extra vitamins.

Name Manto: Female: The most excited one in the flock and takes high flights she is tidy and eats almost everything I offer to her. But she is underweight, very light. I am worried about her health. She got some wounds and I have no idea how, and it's been more than 5 months these wounds still bleed and bleed a lot. She loses lots of blood. The vet is careless and stupid he doesn't even know to do dressing oh God!! I am dressing her leg and one toe, but it is not helping much.

Photos of Manto's wounds would be helpful. Do you know how she got her wounds?

I live in a small flat barely have sunlight's access and not enough ground for them to wander....Note: Dislike veg, maze, pulses, chickpeas.
Used to like onion, boiled rice with boiled garlic, boiled chickpeas.
Like potato chips, sugar, sweet corn, milk

Putting your location in your profile is very helpful to us when offering suggestions. We are not experts or vets, but will try to help you find some solutions for your birds.

Do you have a feed or pet store that carries poultry feed (layer feed, chick starter, etc.)? If you can provide a nutritionally balanced feed, that is always best. Having sunlight and a source of calcium will help tremendously with the health of your girls.
Hopefully @ChickenCanoe can help us with some food options.

Also, do your chickens have access to grit (small stones/sand/crushed granite) this helps them process foods better.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

As Wyorp Rock said, we need to know your location to be of much help.
Especially to be able to suggest feedstuffs.
I'm assuming you are in Africa, Middle East or South America, What country?
To begin with, stop feeding the sugar, potato chips and onions.
In the absence of a complete poultry feed offer any type of squash/pumpkin.
Chickpeas and maize are OK, rice is very low in protein. Is the maize white?
Do you have any other grains available like barley, wheat, millet?
Milk is ok for adding protein and vitamins when mixed with the grain. Does your milk get vitamin D added? With very little access to sunlight, they need a source of vitamin D3.
Some chopped/diced vegetables like green leafy ones and root crops like carrots for a vitamin boost.
Any type of fruit or berry is good. Can you get ackee, tamarind, melon, mango, papaya, dates or guava?
Do you have access to any other protein sources like fish?
Whenever you are feeding anything other than a ground feed, it is important to cut up the foods very small. Chickens don't have hands or teeth so they need bite size morsels. If I put out a carrot or a stalk of broccoli the chickens will ignore it, but if I dice it they will eat it all.

I can't imagine a chicken with a wound still bleeding 5 months after the injury. Were they attacked by a dog?
Flush the wound well with saline solution (salt water), then a antiseptic like betadine/iodine. Then coat it with sugar or cornstarch to stop the bleeding.

I doubt your bird is egg bound this long. I think she would be dead by now.
Since they aren't laying now, you can cut back on the calcium. They won't need more than that which is in the milk and greens till they start laying again.

Do you know what breed your chickens are?

Please answer all the questions in this and Wyorp Rock's post above the best you can.

 

[tafreeh]

Welcome To BYC

If you have some photos of each chicken that you would like to share, that would be helpful. Especially Mantos bleeding wounds.

Yeah sure,


Check Meer's crop to see if it's emptying overnight - drinking a lot could be an indication that he has a crop problem
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/impacted-slow-and-sour-crops-prevention-and-treatments


For Hazel - have you checked about 1inch inside her vent and felt for any egg?
Having a heavy soft tummy, she may be suffering from a reproductive or internal laying disorder like Egg Yolk Peritonitis, Ascites, cancer or tumors. You can try soaking her in a warm epsom salts bath and giving her supportive care of extra vitamins.

I didn't feel anything like egg, but I started givig all calcium tabs and Hazel starting showing interest in food but sh is still drinking more sometimes milk and sometimes water



Photos of Manto's wounds would be helpful. Do you know how she got her wounds?
No I haveno idea how she got these. but every time I open the dressing it bleeds continously and lots of


Putting your location in your profile is very helpful to us when offering suggestions. We are not experts or vets, but will try to help you find some solutions for your birds.

I live in Delhi,India.

Do you have a feed or pet store that carries poultry feed (layer feed, chick starter, etc.)? If you can provide a nutritionally balanced feed, that is always best. Having sunlight and a source of calcium will help tremendously with the health of your girls.
Hopefully @ChickenCanoe can help us with some food options.

Also, do your chickens have access to grit (small stones/sand/crushed granite) this helps them process foods better.

Yeah I offer them soil in a big tub so they can bath and they all enjoy it.

 

[tafreeh]

As Wyorp Rock said, we need to know your location to be of much help.
Especially to be able to suggest feedstuffs.
I'm assuming you are in Africa, Middle East or South America, What country?
India.
To begin with, stop feeding the sugar, potato chips and onions.
But these are their favourite .. I mentioned they are way too moody. They eat lots of onion and sugar and sweet corn. and weired thing is they liketo eat from my hand otherwise they ignore the food !!whatto do?
In the absence of a complete poultry feed offer any type of squash/pumpkin.
Chickpeas and maize are OK, rice is very low in protein. Is the maize white?
Do you have any other grains available like barley, wheat, millet?
Milk is ok for adding protein and vitamins when mixed with the grain. Does your milk get vitamin D added? With very little access to sunlight, they need a source of vitamin D3.
Some chopped/diced vegetables like green leafy ones and root crops like carrots for a vitamin boost.
Any type of fruit or berry is good. Can you get ackee, tamarind, melon, mango, papaya, dates or guava?
they don't eat fruits, melon yes they like it but it is not available all time here.
Do you have access to any other protein sources like fish?
Fish Yes, anything else?
Whenever you are feeding anything other than a ground feed, it is important to cut up the foods very small. Chickens don't have hands or teeth so they need bite size morsels. If I put out a carrot or a stalk of broccoli the chickens will ignore it, but if I dice it they will eat it all.
I know I do that.
I can't imagine a chicken with a wound still bleeding 5 months after the injury. Were they attacked by a dog?
Flush the wound well with saline solution (salt water), then a antiseptic like betadine/iodine. Then coat it with sugar or cornstarch to stop the bleeding.
Wow I didn't know that. Thanks

I doubt your bird is egg bound this long. I think she would be dead by now.
Since they aren't laying now, you can cut back on the calcium. They won't need more than that which is in the milk and greens till they start laying again.
No, Sheis alive. Thankfully. I can't lose another one..

Do you know what breed your chickens are?
No, I bought them when they were very tiny from a roadside.

Please answer all the questions in this and Wyorp Rock's post above the best you can.

 

[tafreeh]

can someone help

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Do you have access to a commercial poultry feed? If not, then you may want to follow some of the suggestions that @ChickenCanoe made in the previous post.

Manto's wounds that are bleeding - looks like she is getting picked at, I see a little new growth of feathers I think, but likely the others are plucking those out before she feathers in. Wounds like that can be hard to heal if she is constantly plucked at - you can try hiding the wounds with BluKote or you may need to cage her where the others can't reach her.
Feather picking/eating can be due to numerous things - try offering more protein - fish, egg, meat. Poultry Vitamins or infant/children vitamins (no iron) can be added to the water once a week. Sometimes birds are bored and can begin to pluck at each other as well - if they don't improve after you have enhanced their nutrition, then try to give them something to occupy their time - hanging veggies or a tub of dirt/sand to dig and bathe in.

@Saaniya may be able to recommend the vitamins she uses for her rooster.

The foot looks like it's been injured somehow, it may be infected, but it's hard to tell. You can soak the foot in epsom salts or salt water to help cleanse and soothe it. Apply a triple antibiotic ointment to the foot.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

...
India.
Lots of people raise chickens in India.
Your best bet is to find a farm store where they sell a complete poultry feed.
This should give you a start.
https://dir.indiamart.com/impcat/poultry-feed.html

To begin with, stop feeding the sugar, potato chips and onions.
But these are their favourite .. I mentioned they are way too moody. They eat lots of onion and sugar and sweet corn. and weired thing is they liketo eat from my hand otherwise they ignore the food !!whatto do?
Stop! Chickens are voracious eaters. They won't starve themselves to death. If you stop feeding the things that are bad for them (sugar, potato chips), they'll eventually eat the things that are good for them. It's the same with children. You wouldn't feed children exclusively candy and potato chips.
Onions will give the eggs an off flavor.
Corn and rice are woefully low in protein. Both are about 8%. Chickpeas are higher but are still very low in the essential amino acids of methionine and cysteine.
If, as @Wyorp Rock suggested, other birds are picking at this bird's wounds and feathers, it is likely because they need more complete protein in their diet to include all the essential amino acids.
Stop with the sugar and potato chips already.
They need complete feed with all the essential amino acids that your birds aren't currently getting in the things you're feeding.

In the absence of a complete poultry feed offer any type of squash/pumpkin.
Chickpeas and maize are OK, rice is very low in protein. Is the maize white?
Do you have any other grains available like barley, wheat, millet?
Milk is ok for adding protein and vitamins when mixed with the grain. Does your milk get vitamin D added? With very little access to sunlight, they need a source of vitamin D3.
Some chopped/diced vegetables like green leafy ones and root crops like carrots for a vitamin boost.
Any type of fruit or berry is good. Can you get ackee, tamarind, melon, mango, papaya, dates or guava?
they don't eat fruits, melon yes they like it but it is not available all time here.
They'll eat fruit if you stop feeding things chickens shouldn't eat.
Chickens are omnivores and can eat virtually anything humans should eat. Meat, fish, grains, vegetation. Humans shouldn't eat sugar and potato chips.

Do you have access to any other protein sources like fish?
Fish Yes, anything else?
Any meat, milk and a mix of grains/legumes that compliment each other to provide all the essential amino acids.
.

...

 

[tafreeh]

Lots of people raise chickens in India.
Your best bet is to find a farm store where they sell a complete poultry feed.
This should give you a start.
https://dir.indiamart.com/impcat/poultry-feed.html
thanks.

Stop! Chickens are voracious eaters. They won't starve themselves to death. If you stop feeding the things that are bad for them (sugar, potato chips), they'll eventually eat the things that are good for them. It's the same with children. You wouldn't feed children exclusively candy and potato chips.
OK, I am not giving sugar potato chips anymore. I gave them carrots and they first ignore it but then Manto (hen) start eating it but with less interest, Meer(rooster) also joined her for carrots but takes few bites and Hazel(hen)she showed zero interest and drinks lots of water.
Their regular feed is Pearl millet btw. sometimes bread crumbs.

Onions will give the eggs an off flavor.
I would discontinue onion.

Corn and rice are woefully low in protein. Both are about 8%. Chickpeas are higher but are still very low in the essential amino acids of methionine and cysteine.
If, as @Wyorp Rock suggested, other birds are picking at this bird's wounds and feathers, it is likely because they need more complete protein in their diet to include all the essential amino acids.
Stop with the sugar and potato chips already.
They need complete feed with all the essential amino acids that your birds aren't currently getting in the things you're feeding.
Alright, any supplements suggestions?

In the absence of a complete poultry feed offer any type of squash/pumpkin.
Chickpeas and maize are OK, rice is very low in protein. Is the maize white?
No, yellow sweet corn.
Do you have any other grains available like barley, wheat, millet?
Yeah, millet and wheat.
Milk is ok for adding protein and vitamins when mixed with the grain. Does your milk get vitamin D added? With very little access to sunlight, they need a source of vitamin D3.
No, no D3added milk.
Some chopped/diced vegetables like green leafy ones and root crops like carrots for a vitamin boost.
Yeah, I gave them carrots.
Any type of fruit or berry is good. Can you get ackee, tamarind, melon, mango, papaya, dates or guava?
they don't eat fruits, melon yes they like it but it is not available all time here.
They'll eat fruit if you stop feeding things chickens shouldn't eat.
Chickens are omnivores and can eat virtually anything humans should eat. Meat, fish, grains, vegetation. Humans shouldn't eat sugar and potato chips.
Got it.

Do you have access to any other protein sources like fish?
Fish Yes, anything else?
Any meat, milk and a mix of grains/legumes that compliment each other to provide all the essential amino acids.
Thank you.

 

[tafreeh]

Do you have access to a commercial poultry feed? If not, then you may want to follow some of the suggestions that @ChickenCanoe made in the previous post.

Manto's wounds that are bleeding - looks like she is getting picked at, I see a little new growth of feathers I think, but likely the others are plucking those out before she feathers in. Wounds like that can be hard to heal if she is constantly plucked at - you can try hiding the wounds with BluKote or you may need to cage her where the others can't reach her.
I shaved her feathers so I can do dressing. And this true she and Hazel they both start picking up her wounds that's the reason to hide wounds.
Feather picking/eating can be due to numerous things - try offering more protein - fish, egg, meat. Poultry Vitamins or infant/children vitamins (no iron) can be added to the water once a week. Sometimes birds are bored and can begin to pluck at each other as well - if they don't improve after you have enhanced their nutrition, then try to give them something to occupy their time - hanging veggies or a tub of dirt/sand to dig and bathe in.
Yeah, they all like to bathe in the soil.

@Saaniya may be able to recommend the vitamins she uses for her rooster.

The foot looks like it's been injured somehow, it may be infected, but it's hard to tell. You can soak the foot in epsom salts or salt water to help cleanse and soothe it. Apply a triple antibiotic ointment to the foot.

OK