2 hens and 1 young rooster unable to stand.

[Kaleyf]

Yesterday my chickens were all fine. This morning when I went to let them out of the coop one older white hen was unable to stand with foam coming out of her mouth. Now I have two others that are unable to stand. We are giving them water with an eyedropper. Any idea what is going on? The others seem to be fine. I had a party on the 4th of July and the chickens have been snacking on leftovers, could I have fed them something? I have had chickens for over 15 years and have never seen anything like this.

Thank you,

Kaley

 

[Narey]

Could it just be the heat??

 

[TeamChaos]

Yikes, I don't know but if you suspect it might be something they ate, read up on molasses flushes and consider administering that to them while you wait for more info here... best of luck!

 

[Kaleyf]

I will google that. Thank you

 

[Kaleyf]

I made the molasses flush, when I got out there one of the hens was dead. The little rooster was able to walk this morning, but now can't get up. He has what looks like snot coming out of his mouth. The other little hen has a clear mouth but cant stand. I gave them each a few droppers of the flush.

 

[Kaleyf]

I don't think it is the heat. It has been lower than normal here the last couple of days and I flood irrigated the property yesterday so the ground is nice and cool. I thought they may have been poisoned, but I can't find anything after searching the property.

 

[TeamChaos]

Did the snacks you gave them sit out unrefrigerated at all? Think it could be botulism?

 

[Kaleyf]

The snacks were sitting out. I usually just keep a container on my counter and dump it for them once a day. This was a ton of food so it sat outside for a while before they ate it all. So far out of 15 chickens only the 3 seem to be sick. Will the molasses flush help if it is botulism? We are giving them droppers full then letting them rest.

 

[TeamChaos]

If it's a toxin, I'd do a genuine flush rather than just a little bit at a time. The first post has a lot of pertinent info here:http://forum.backyardpoultry.com/viewtopic.php?t=7962629

 

[Kaleyf]

The rooster died. So I have lost 2 of the 3. The little black hen actually got up and walked a few feet. I will read the link and keep at her. Thank you for all of your help.